The Cater and Merger German Agribusiness and AgriTech Summit 2024, held from November 11 to 16 in Hamburg, Germany, successfully convened diverse stakeholders from the public and private sectors to explore collaboration opportunities in agribusiness and agri-tech. The summit served as a pivotal platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering partnerships, and exploring innovative solutions to drive sustainable agriculture.
Day 1: Opening Conference
The summit commenced with a full-day conference at the Barcelo Hotel in Hamburg, attended by a 19-member delegation from Nigeria, led by Hon. Bello M. Goronyo, Esq., the immediate past Honorable Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, now Honorable Minister of State for Works.
Delegation Highlights
The Nigerian delegation included:
- Four Directors from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
- Managing Directors from three River Basin Authorities (Ogun-Osun, Niger Delta, and Hadejia-Jama’are)
- Representatives from the Bank of Industry: Mr. Lanre Babalola and Mr. Victor Agina
- A representative from Agro-Allied Commodities Services Nigeria
Key Presentations
Experts from various fields delivered enlightening presentations:
- Mr. Jan-Hendrik Langeloh, Milchhof Reitbrook GbR, Germany
- Prof. Oladokun Sulaiman Olanrewaju, SeaNexus Germany
- Mr. Jacques Nsengiyumva, CS-Njema Rwanda
- Dr. Beatrice Bischof, PhD (via video presentation)
- Dr. Ikechi Agbugba, PhD (via video presentation)
The keynote address was delivered by HRH Prof. Mrs. Victoria Adesuyi, Agro-Allied Commodities.
Discussion Topics
- Livestock farming
- Seaweed/seafood farming
- Water sanitation
- Organic fertilizer production using human waste
The conference concluded on an optimistic note, emphasizing practical exploration and partnership-building.
Day 2: Livestock and Dairy Farm Visit
The delegation visited Milchhof Reitbrook, a leading livestock and dairy farm in Germany.
Key Insights
- Hon. Bello Goronyo highlighted the alignment of future collaborations with the “Hope Agenda”, central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for food security.
- Discussions revolved around:
- Innovative dairy production techniques
- Sustainable cattle management practices
The visit opened discussions on potential collaborations, including:
- Technology transfer
- Farm material exchange
- Expertise sharing
Day 3: Integrated Apple Farm Visit
The delegation visited Herzapfelhof Lühs, a family-owned apple farm in Jork, Germany, known for sustainable and organic farming.
Key Takeaways
- The farm cultivates over 250 apple varieties, emphasizing eco-friendly and climate-resilient practices.
- Farm owner Rolf Lühs shared insights, showcasing an apple-shaped plantation visible on satellite maps, symbolizing their dedication to sustainability.
Discussions focused on:
- Value chain development
- Community-centered farming
- Social impact in agribusiness
Day 4: Hamburg City Tour
The delegation toured Hamburg’s cultural and historical landmarks, offering a perfect balance between professional engagement and cultural enrichment.
Closing Reflections
The Cater and Merger German Agribusiness and AgriTech Summit 2024 achieved its objective of fostering collaboration, sharing innovative practices, and strengthening international partnerships.
The organizing committee expresses gratitude to all participants, farm owners, and speakers for their valuable contributions. These interactions will undoubtedly drive agricultural transformation and sustainable development globally.
Key Takeaways
- Opened new avenues for collaboration between Nigerian stakeholders and German farms.
- Hon. Bello Goronyo pledged continued engagements to facilitate:
- Knowledge transfer
- Technology exchange
- Expertise development
These efforts align with Nigeria’s vision to transform its agriculture sector and ensure food security.
A toast to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, honoring his commitment to eradicating food poverty and advancing food security and prosperity in Nigeria.
Signed,
Cater and Merger German Agribusiness and AgriTech Summit Organizing Committee
Delegation List
Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
- Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. – Hon. Minister of State
- Zaccheaus Olutade Akinjogbin – Director, Public-Private Partnership
- Oduh Christy Omeno – Director, River Basin Operations
- Oyakhirome Florence Iwalanwo – DDI & D
Agro-Allied Commodities Cooperative Nigeria Ltd.
- Adesuyi Victoria Abike – Chairman/MD
- Adesuyi Olaniyi George – National Secretary
Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority
- Aliyu Ma’amun Da’u – Managing Director/CEO
- Hamza Ibrahim Ahmed – Deputy Director, Planning and Design
- Sa’adu Adamu Ajingi – Deputy Director, Planning and Design
- Jibril Mustapha – Deputy Director, Planning and Design
Niger Delta Basin Development Authority
- Prince Ebitimi Amgbare – Managing Director/CEO
- Dr. Roland Gbarabe – Deputy Director
Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority
- Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru, FNSE – Managing Director/CEO
- Mr. Adu Babatunde – Executive Director (Finance/Administration)
- Mr. Alamu Noah Arinola – Executive Director (Agric. Services)
- Engr. Olumide Kumolu, FNSE – Special Adviser (Technical)
Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority
- Engr. Caleb T. Tyowuah – Director
Bank of Industry
- Lanre Babalola
- Victor Agina
