Monrovia – The Government of Liberia (GoL), through the Ministry of Agriculture, has been honored by the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL) for its decisive intervention in stabilizing rubber prices and restoring transparency in the sector.
The recognition was conferred on Wednesday, March 25 at a ceremony held at Cooper Farm in Todee District, Montserrado County, where farmers and stakeholders gathered to acknowledge what many described as a turning point for the sector.
Receiving the honor, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah attributed the achievement to the leadership and vision of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, reaffirming the administration’s strong commitment to addressing longstanding challenges in the rubber industry and improving the livelihoods of Liberian farmers.
“Every decision I make as Minister of Agriculture is triggered or approved by the President. He understands this sector—not just on paper, but from experience. He has seen the problems, and he expects us to solve them.”
Dr. Nuetah emphasized that the President’s directive is clear and uncompromising—to fix the sector and ensure that it delivers real benefits to Liberian farmers.
“The President is concerned about what is happening in this sector, and he has given us clear instructions to fix it and ensure that Liberian farmers benefit.”
The Minister noted that the Government’s intervention to regulate and stabilize rubber prices forms part of a broader reform agenda aimed at restoring confidence, improving market access, and creating a more equitable system for smallholder farmers.
According to RPAL, the Government’s recognition was driven primarily by these efforts, which have introduced fairness and predictability into a sector that had long operated without clear pricing structures.
RPAL President Madam Wilhemina Mulbah Siaway praised the Government’s leadership and the tangible impact of the reforms on farmers.
“Previously, the price was not known to us as farmers, but now we have a system that is bringing fairness and stability.”
She also highlighted the scale of ongoing support to farmers, particularly in expanding production through improved planting materials.
“This year, we are scaling up to two million stumps—one million supported by the Rubber Development Fund and another one million through the Ministry of Agriculture’s RETRAP program.”
The Government views the recognition as a strong endorsement of its reform agenda and a call to deepen collaboration with farmers and other stakeholders to strengthen the sector further.
The Ministry of Agriculture remains committed to advancing policies and programs that will expand production, enhance farmer incomes, and position Liberia’s rubber sector as a key contributor to national economic growth.
