About
The International Conference on Contract Farming (ICCF) is an annual event aimed at addressing challenges and opportunities within the contract farming ecosystem. The inaugural conference, held in November 2024 in Nairobi, brought together over 200 stakeholders, including farmers, agribusinesses, government representatives, and industry associations. The event explored innovative solutions for enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable practices, and improving farmer livelihoods through contract farming.
Building on the success of the first edition, ICCF 2025 will be held on November 11-12, 2025, with the theme: “Exploring Market Opportunities in Contract Farming: Farming with a Plan“. ICCF 2025 will build upon key discussions to explore market expansion opportunities for contract farmers, both domestically and internationally.
ICCF 2025 will serve as a global platform for growers, producers, market experts, and agribusiness leaders to discuss best practices, overcome market barriers, and foster meaningful partnerships. This year’s conference will focus on bridging the gap between farmers and markets by leveraging technology, regulatory frameworks, and inclusive participation. The event will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, B2B matchmaking, specialized spotlight sessions, and a dedicated marketplace, all designed to facilitate direct connections between farmers, buyers, and investors.
Conference Objectives
- Explore Market Opportunities: Investigate both local and international market prospects for agricultural commodities.
- Provide Market Insights: Share valuable insights on market requirements, certifications, and global trade standards.
- Best Practices and Technologies: Discuss modern farming techniques and practices for meeting evolving market demands.
- Facilitate Deal-Making: Offer structured networking sessions to connect farmers, aggregators, and buyers.
- Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that women, youth, and people with special needs have equitable opportunities in contract farming.
Expected Outcomes
- Stronger Market Connections: Enhance partnerships between farmers, buyers, and financial institutions to boost market access.
- Policy Recommendations: Produce actionable recommendations for policies that promote market integration.
- Improved Compliance: Help farmers meet market standards, certifications, and trade regulations.
- Business Deals: Facilitate tangible business deals through networking and matchmaking.
Key Discussion Areas
- ICCF 2024 Recap: Review of major takeaways and progress for future years.
- Smart Farming and Technology: Use of digital platforms, AI, IoT, and cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses and increase access to markets.
- Market Access & Buyer Connections: Opportunities and barriers for connecting farmers to buyers in both local and international markets.
- Regulatory & Policy Frameworks: Analyzing the role of government and industry associations in improving market access.
- Inclusive Participation: Strategies to increase involvement of women, youth, and people with special needs in agriculture.
- Traceability & Ethical Sourcing: Ethical sourcing practices and the growing consumer demand for responsibly sourced products.
- Insurance Solutions: Mitigating risks and enhancing buyer confidence through crop and livestock insurance.
- Market Trends & Consumer Preferences: Understanding trends like organic farming and how they impact contract farming.
- Future of Market-Driven Contract Farming: Expert panel on strategies for expansion, competitiveness, and sustainability.