Stakeholders in the raw cashew nut value chain have agreed on a minimum producer price of GH¢12.00 per kilogram for the 2025 to 2026 cashew season, following extensive consultations led by the Tree Crops Development Authority, TCDA. The agreement was reached at a high-level meeting aimed at reviewing and clarifying the parameters used in setting the producer price for the upcoming season.
The meeting was chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of the TCDA, Dr Andy Osei Okrah, and brought together a broad range of participants across the cashew value chain. These included farmers, traders, aggregators, exporters, processors and nursery operators. The engagement formed part of the Authority’s efforts to ensure transparency, fairness and shared understanding in the pricing of raw cashew nuts.
During the session, officials of the Authority took participants through the indicators that guide the producer pricing model. These indicators include global cashew market trends, production forecasts, quality specifications, exchange rate movements and key cost components associated with production and marketing. Stakeholders were informed that the pricing process is anchored on existing legal and regulatory frameworks governing the sector.
According to the TCDA, the producer price determination is guided by the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019, known as Act 1010, as well as the Tree Crops Development Authority Regulations, L.I. 2471 of 2023. Particular reference was made to Regulation 47(1), which provides the basis for setting minimum producer prices in a structured and transparent manner.
Participants were also guided through the practical application of the approved pricing formula using current market assumptions. Officials explained that the model was applied using a prevailing Free On Board, FOB, price of 1,400 dollars per metric tonne. This benchmark was based on a kernel outturn ratio, KOR, of 48 and a nut count of 180, with a maximum moisture content of 10 per cent, which reflects international quality standards.
In addition, the pricing model factored in a six-month average exchange rate of GH¢11.0241 to the dollar, alongside all relevant statutory charges and operational costs across the value chain. After applying these variables, the indicative price generated by the formula stood at 1,012.08 dollars per metric tonne.
When converted to local currency, the indicative price amounted to GH¢11,157.34 per metric tonne. This calculation was based on a slightly adjusted quality benchmark of 46 KOR and a nut count of 190, with the same maximum moisture content of 10 per cent. On a per kilogram basis, the derived price translated to approximately GH¢11.157.
Following detailed presentations and open discussions, stakeholders deliberated on the implications of the indicative price for farmers and other actors in the sector. Concerns raised during the discussions included rising input costs, labour expenses, farm maintenance, transportation challenges and the need to sustain farmer interest in cashew production.
After extensive deliberations, all value chain actors unanimously agreed to adopt a simplified and farmer-friendly round figure of GH¢12.00 per kilogram as the Minimum Producer Price for the 2025 to 2026 raw cashew nut season. Participants said the agreed price strikes a balance between market realities and the need to motivate farmers to maintain and expand production.
Stakeholders noted that adopting a clear and rounded price would promote fairness, reduce disputes at the farmgate and enhance transparency in domestic cashew trading. They also agreed that a stable and predictable pricing framework is important for sustaining confidence across the value chain, from producers to exporters.
In addition to agreeing on the minimum producer price, participants reached a consensus that the price should be reviewed regularly. According to them, periodic reviews would be necessary to reflect changes in global market conditions, exchange rates, production costs and other parameters that influence the pricing model.
In his closing remarks, Dr Andy Osei Okrah said the consultative process reflected the TCDA’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness and stability in the cashew sector. He noted that bringing all actors together to openly review the pricing framework helps build trust and shared ownership of decisions affecting the industry.
Dr Okrah said the Authority remains focused on streamlining the cashew value chain and ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce, while also maintaining the competitiveness of the domestic market. He added that predictable pricing supports planning and investment decisions across the sector.
Participants at the meeting expressed positive feedback on the engagement, describing it as open, informative and balanced. Many noted that involving farmers and other stakeholders directly in the pricing discussions helped to demystify the process and reduce misinformation around producer price setting.
The engagement ended with full consensus among participants, with the Tree Crops Development Authority expected to formally announce the minimum producer price for the 2025 cashew season on Monday, December 15, 2025. Stakeholders said the announcement would provide clarity ahead of the new season and allow farmers and buyers to plan accordingly.
As the cashew industry continues to play an important role in rural livelihoods and export earnings, observers say sustained dialogue and transparent pricing mechanisms will remain critical to the long-term growth and stability of the sector.
