The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has opened nominations for the 2026 TCDA National Best Tree Crops Farmer Award, with farmers across six eligible tree crop categories being invited to submit their nominations before the deadline of August 27, 2026.
The award scheme is aimed at recognising genuine and active farmers who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, productivity and effective management in the cultivation of tree crops.
The six eligible tree crops under the award are cashew, coconut, mango, oil palm, rubber and shea.
The TCDA is encouraging qualified farmers to take advantage of the opportunity and showcase their contribution to the development of Ghana’s tree crops sector.
Who qualifies?
According to the eligibility requirements, nominees must be genuine and active farmers who are directly engaged in the cultivation of the nominated tree crop.
Applicants are also required to provide clear information about the location, size and ownership or tenure of their farms or farming operations.
Farmers must meet the applicable minimum farm size, production and/or productivity requirements for the relevant crop and award category.
The Authority has further indicated that nominees must provide adequate and verifiable information relating to the production and productivity of their farms.
Six tree crops eligible
Farmers engaged in the cultivation of any of the six designated tree crops can submit nominations.
The eligible categories are:
Cashew
Coconut
Mango
Oil Palm
Rubber
Shea
The award therefore provides an opportunity for farmers in different parts of the country who are contributing to the tree crops industry to receive national recognition for their work.
Active farm management required
The TCDA says nominees must demonstrate active management and production of the nominated tree crop.
Applicants are also required to disclose any previous awards or recognition they have received at the district, regional, national or other relevant levels, including previous TCDA awards, where applicable.
The requirement, according to the Authority, is part of the assessment process to ensure transparency and enable assessors to properly evaluate the achievements and performance of nominees.
Supporting documents required
Farmers seeking to participate are expected to submit a substantially complete and duly signed nomination form together with the required supporting documents.
Nominees must also agree to participate in field verification and interviews as part of the assessment process.
The TCDA has stressed the importance of providing accurate and truthful information, warning that the submission of materially false, misleading or deliberately inaccurate information may result in disqualification.
Three-stage assessment
The award process will be conducted in three main stages.
The first stage is documentary assessment, during which submitted nomination forms and supporting documents will be examined.
This will be followed by field verification and interviews, allowing the assessment team to verify information provided by nominees and assess their farms and production activities.
The final stage will be adjudication, after which successful nominees will be determined.
The process is intended to ensure that farmers are assessed on the basis of verifiable information and their actual performance in the tree crops sector.
Deadline August 27.
The TCDA has urged interested and eligible farmers to complete their nomination process before the closing date.
The deadline for submission of nominations is Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Farmers can visit the TCDA website at www.tcda.gov.gh to access and complete the nomination form.
For further information and enquiries, the Authority has provided the contact numbers 0800 222 131 and 0800 242 131.
The National Best Tree Crops Farmer Award is expected to provide a platform for recognising farmers whose efforts are helping to strengthen Ghana’s tree crops industry, improve productivity and support the livelihoods of communities involved in the sector.
The TCDA is therefore calling on qualified farmers in the cashew, coconut, mango, oil palm, rubber and shea value chains to submit their nominations and take part in the national recognition programme.
