Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith, has paid a working visit to Haynie Farms and Haynie Family Foods (formerly Arkansas River Rice), the only Black-owned rice farm and mill in the United States, as part of efforts to promote U.S.–Ghana agricultural investment partnerships.

The visit supports President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to transform Ghana’s economy through sustainable agriculture and agribusiness. Ambassador Smith emphasized that attracting foreign direct investment into these sectors is key to boosting productivity, creating jobs, and ensuring food security.

Mr. PJ Haynie, CEO and fifth-generation farmer, hosted the Ambassador and announced plans to welcome five young Ghanaian agricultural graduates for a nine-month hands-on training program at the Arkansas facility. The initiative aims to help modernize rice cultivation and processing in Ghana.

Ambassador Smith praised the collaboration as a practical step toward Ghana’s goal of food self-sufficiency and stronger bilateral agribusiness ties.