Monrovia, Liberia – Under the EU-funded ACP Business-Friendly Coffee Program, the International Trade Centre (ITC) has begun this year’s coffee harvest in coordination with regional partners.
Key players from Liberia’s coffee industry were present at the inaugural ceremony, which took place in Samodu Town, Quadu Gboni District, Lofa County. It emphasized ITC’s dedication to reviving the coffee industry in order to enhance the standard of living for rural Liberians.
The ITC is collaborating with the Liberian government to revitalize the nation’s coffee subsector with funding from the European Union.
The event, which is being organized by the Farmer Union Network of Liberia (FUNL) in collaboration with ITC and other regional partners, is to highlight the industry’s current state of transformation.
Madam Josephine Francis, President of the Farmer Union Network of Liberia, described the launch as a major milestone for the nation’s coffee sector. “The ITC has worked over the years to put Liberia back on the coffee market,” she said. Since the program’s inception, Liberia has exported 107 metric tons of coffee beans to Cyprus in 2024, a significant step forward.”
To address the lack of awareness regarding better coffee growing practices, the initiative has set up demonstration farms in counties that produce coffee, such as Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Bomi, and Montserrado.
“These farms act as educational centers for better farming practices.” She clarified that farmers will begin to copy these methods, boosting output and regional sales.
Madam Francis underlined how crucial it is to establish cooperatives in order to access improved market prospects. “By next year, we will ensure that cooperatives are established to provide farmers with the resources and support they need.”
She went on to say, “We intend to help you the cooperatives open bank accounts and access financial resources to support their operations.”
At the event, representatives from the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA), Liberia Agriculture Commodities Regulatory Authority (LACRA), and the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) reiterated their dedication to helping coffee growers.
The MoA’s Tree Crop Development Specialist, Austin Gboo Yeanay, encouraged farmers to support ITC’s programs. “Coffee is a lucrative crop attracting global attention, and we must work together to make a significant impact.”
Godia Alpha Kortu Gongolee, the deputy director of LACRA, revealed intentions to strengthen cooperatives and connect them with exporters in order to improve produce pricing.
In a same vein, David T. Boima, CDA’s Director for Field Services, urged farmers to formally establish their businesses as cooperatives in order to optimize gains.
Despite the advancements, low production, market limitations, and a lack of technical expertise still plague Liberia’s coffee industry. The ITC and its partners are still dedicated to resolving these problems, nevertheless. This year’s harvest is being participated in by over 500 farmers from coffee-producing areas, indicating an increasing interest in the industry.
Liberia is home to both Robusta and Liberia coffee varieties, with Liberia being indigenous to the country. The coffee program has reignited hope among farmers, offering them a sustainable livelihood. With continued support from international partners, Liberia’s coffee sector is poised for significant growth.
Regaining Liberia’s place in the world coffee market and improving rural livelihoods through sustainable agriculture depend on the start of the 2024 coffee crop.
Meanwhile, the launch event was climaxed with a program today, November 27, 2024, in Monrovia on the tasting of locally grown and processed coffee.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
