PFS Helps Ghanaian Client Find Inspiration 6,000 miles Away From Home
The work we do at PFS often leads to incredible stories of collaboration. One such story unfolded recently when AgriAccess Ltd, one of our newest clients, visited the United States with a goal in mind: to learn from one of the most advanced sorghum milling operations in the world.
AgriAccess is a Ghanaian company that is deeply committed to transforming the lives of smallholder sorghum farmers in northern Ghana. As the number one supplier of sorghum to Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited, they support over 5,000 of these farmers by creating sustainable markets and improving food security.
Sorghum is an ancient grain, believed to have originated in Africa over 5,000 years ago. After rice, wheat, maize and barley, sorghum is the world’s fifth-most important cereal crop. It is a versatile grain that has several agricultural, industrial and culinary uses. It is gluten-free; contains dietary fiber, protein, and micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, and B-vitamins and is rich in carbohydrates, making it an excellent energy source. Across Africa, sorghum is used to prepare various porridges, snacks, breads and beverages. AgriAccess’ new focus is on processing the sorghum into flour, to feed communities and further strengthen local economies.
While on a visit to family in Georgia, AgriAccess’ Managing Director Prosper Achulo and his team shared their interest in visiting a sorghum mill in the U.S. PFS staff members Staci Seibold and Brian Tregilgas sprang into action. They reached out to our partners at Ardent Mills, who graciously invited the AgriAccess team to tour their state-of-the-art sorghum mill in North Dakota.
The visit was an overwhelming success. During their time at Ardent Mills, Prosper and his team gained invaluable insights into advanced milling techniques, best practices, and innovative processes that could be applied to their operations in Ghana. The exchange of knowledge wasn’t one-sided—Ardent Mills staff were equally inspired by Prosper’s mission-driven approach and his dedication to empowering smallholder farmers.
It also showcased one of the unique (and rare!) ways that PFS connects food entrepreneurs with the expertise and resources they need to scale their impact.
In a heartfelt message following the visit, Prosper shared his gratitude: "The experience was truly valuable, offering us significant insights and practical knowledge that will greatly enhance our operations and inspire new innovations within our organization. The knowledge shared by the Ardent Mills team and the engaging discussions provided us with a deeper understanding of best practices in food processing—essential insights for the growth and long-term sustainability of our business.”
Moments like this remind us that the future of food lies in collaboration - across communities, borders and industries, and by fostering these connections, PFS can help build stronger, more resilient food systems that benefit everyone.