IITA partners with UPL Corporation Limited for Distribution of Aflasafe GH01 and GH02 in Ghana

In 2020, UPL Corporation Limited and IITA signed an exclusive distribution agreement for the distribution of Aflasafe GH01 and Aflasafe GH02 in Ghana.

Aflasafe GH01 and Aflasafe GH02 are a revolutionary biocontrol product, which reduces the prevalence of aflatoxins in treated maize and groundnut by 80% – 99% from farm to fork. Aflatoxin is a poison that affects approximately 25% of the world’s food supply and disproportionately impacts the poor. Aflatoxins are a major concern because of their acute and chronic health effects on humans and domesticated animals. Moreover, the country loses market opportunities in due to their inability to meet aflatoxin standards.

The initial idea of the technology was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture – Agriculture Research Service (USDA-ARS). The technology was adapted and improved for use in Ghana by IITA, USDA-ARS and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The genetic material of Aflasafe (i.e., the non-toxin producing strains of Aspergillus flavus) were isolated from Ghanaian soil and maize crops collected in 2013. IITA is the official registrant of the two products granted by Ghana’s Environmental protection Agency (EPA).

UPL Corporation Limited is one of the international arms of UPL Limited, a leader in global food systems and one of the top 5 agricultural solutions companies worldwide. UPL has a presence in over 130 countries. With market access to 90 percent of the world’s food basket and its focus on high-growth regions, UPL is a valuable partner to develop the market for Aflasafe in Ghana and make it available to farmers. The exclusivity granted to UPL creates incentives and reduces the risks for the company to invest in the market development for a new product. Aflasafe remains available to the public sector for research and development activities within Ghana and also available in the event of a food security emergency in furtherance of the CGIAR vison.

IITA works with UPL and other development partners to create awareness about the negative effects of aflatoxins and the integrated management practices, including the use of Aflasafe.  IITA is supporting UPL to train various actors, including public extension officers, representatives of farmer’s organizations and farmers in this regard. IITA also supports the development and dissemination of communication tools at community, district, and national levels.