Liberia: MOA, FAO Launch “One Country One Priority” Product At National Agriculture Fair

MONROVIA – As the Ministry of Agriculture ( MOA) officially began the National Agriculture Fair ( NAF)  on Thursday,  December 11, 2025, Food and Agriculture Director General, Qu Dongyu,  symbolically planted a ‘Liberia Coffee’ Tree on the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and said the event marked an important movement for Liberia’s eco – food transformation.

The FAO Director General said the launch of the ‘‘One Country One Priority Product’’ and the Hand -in- Hand initiatives is flagship programs of the FAO  and  through a shared and unified eco – food system, Liberia agriculture sector will be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable.

” With a shared and unified purpose to concretize and transform Liberia eco – food system, agriculture will be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable,” Mr. Dongyu stated.

Dongyu indicated that agriculture can prosper in Liberia if the country endure extreme agriculture systems, noted that agriculture is the  bedrock of  the Liberian economy.

He acknowledged that about 65 – 75%  Liberians are farmers, but predominantly smallholder farmers who grow rice, cassava and vegetables.

DG Dongyu praised the Liberian agriculture sector and indicated that Liberian farmers are the cornerstone of the economy, adding that prospects are high for the agriculture sector.

” Liberian farmers you are the cornerstone of this transformation,” DG Dongyu said. He promised FAO commitment to supporting Liberia and advancing Liberia’s interest in promoting  Liberia Coffee on the world market. Dongyu’s visit was his first to Liberia. He was gowned by Ambassador Julie Endee of the Crusaders for Peace while members of his delegation were sached with traditional Liberian robes.

At the same time, Agriculture Minister  Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah , in his welcome remarks to Mr. Dongyu,  said the National Agriculture Fair provides a platform for showcasing local production, agriculture innovation, and value addition, highlighting the sector’s growing role in Liberia’s economic transformation.

The Agricultural boss said this year’s fair is a testament to the government’s commitment to revitalizing Liberia’s agriculture landscape through innovation, partnerships, and capacity building.

He stressed that Liberia selection of Liberia Coffee and the Hand – Hand Initiatives is to focus on key agricultural value chains that are critical to supporting Liberia in achieving food security and poverty reduction.

” Through these initiatives, we aim to create new job opportunities in Farmington, processing  and export as well as attract private investment in agribusiness and expand Liberia’s footprint in the international coffee market,” Dr. Nuetah stated.

Minister Nuetah expressed optimism that Liberia would access assistance through the FAO Technical Assistance Programs to support development of the targeted value chains.

He thanked the FAO Director General and delegation for the visit  and said their support will help build a resilient food system, create new jobs for Liberians and drive economic growth through the Liberia  Coffee and the Hand – Hand Initiatives of the FAO.

Liberia Coffee is a natural breed tea typical to Liberia and has been tested for drink with natural taste with coffee flavor and ingredients.

Meanwhile, the program was attended by the European Union in Liberia Deputy Head of Mission, Zoltan Sahai, United Nations Country Representative to Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni, the Country Representative of the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), Pascaline Barankeba, Madam Josephine Francis, president of the Farmers Union of Liberia and officials of Government amongst others.