By: Edwin N Khakie
TOTOTA, Bong County, June 3, 2025 — The Director General of the Liberia Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (LACRA), Christopher D. Sankolo, has issued a compelling call to Liberians to prioritize agriculture, describing the sector as vital to national development and economic resilience.
Speaking to a group of journalists over the weekend in Totota, Bong County, DG Sankolo emphasized that agriculture must not be viewed as a subsistence activity but as a transformative engine capable of driving Liberia toward sustainable growth. “Agriculture is the backbone of many developing economies,” Sankolo said. “Liberia is richly blessed with fertile land and abundant natural resources—we must capitalize on them.”
His remarks come amid a stunning rise in agricultural exports from the country. According to new statistics released by LACRA, Liberia’s export of agricultural commodities surged from a modest 2,660 metric tons in 2023 to over 35,000 metric tons in 2024, marking a more than 13-fold increase in just one year.
The spike, officials say, is the result of enhanced regulatory oversight, improved collaboration with farmers, and growing international demand for Liberian-grown products such as cocoa, coffee, and palm oil.
“This growth shows that our farmers are capable, our products are competitive, and our systems are working,” DG Sankolo remarked. “We are proud of this achievement, but we also recognize that this is just the beginning.”
To further strengthen the sector, DG Sankolo announced that LACRA will soon launch a nationwide cocoa farmer mapping initiative. The program aims to collect detailed data on cocoa producers, which will enable better traceability, policy planning, and targeted support. The move aligns with global trends in sustainable agriculture, where transparency and accountability in supply chains are becoming key market requirements.
“This mapping project will not only help us better serve our farmers but also enhance Liberia’s reputation as a reliable source of high-quality cocoa,” Sankolo noted. “It’s part of our broader vision to make Liberian agriculture globally competitive.”
In recent years, Liberia has sought to diversify its economy away from dependence on extractive industries. Agriculture is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of this diversification effort. Through its work in regulating exports, enforcing quality standards, and promoting farmer empowerment, LACRA has become a central player in reshaping the nation’s agricultural landscape.
DG Sankolo reaffirmed LACRA’s commitment to supporting farmers, attracting investment, and opening new markets for Liberian goods. He called on all Liberians—especially young people—to view agriculture not just as a means of survival but as a lucrative career path.
“Agriculture is not just about farming,” he said. “It is agribusiness. It is technology. It is trade. If we invest in it, we invest in our future.”
As Liberia’s agricultural export volumes continue to grow and government initiatives gain momentum, the sector is poised to play a defining role in the country’s economic and social transformation.
