[ By: O’Neill A.R. Philips ]
Monrovia — As the Ministry of Agriculture ( MOA) officially began the National Agriculture Fair ( NAF) today, December 10, 2025, Food and Agriculture Director General, Qu Dongyu symbolically planted a ‘Liberica Coffee’ tree on the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture, and said the event marks an important movement for Liberia’s agri – food transformation.
The FAO Director General said the launched of the One Country One Priority Product and the Hand -in- Hand initiatives are flagship programs of the FAO, and through a shared and unified agri – 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 Agri – food system, agriculture will be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable,” Mr. Dongyu stated.
Mr. Dongyu indicated that agriculture can prosper in Liberia if the country endure extreme agriculture systems, and 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, 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 Liberica Coffee on the world market.
Mr. 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 Liberica 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 creat new job opportunities in farming, 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 Liberica Coffee and the Hand -in – Hand initiatives of the FAO.
Liberica Coffee is a natural breed tea typical to Liberia and has been tested for drink with natural taste with coffee flavor and ingredients.
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.
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