By Tokpa M. Tarnue, tarnue82@gmail.com
VOINJAMA, Liberia – The Liberia Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (LACRA), in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has conducted a one-day cocoa pricing platform aimed at improving transparency in cocoa marketing and ensuring that farmers receive fair value for their produce.
The forum brought together over 55 cocoa farmers, and agricultural technicians from both Lofa and Nimba counties to discuss cocoa pricing mechanisms, international market trends, quality standards, and strategies to strengthen the cocoa value chain.
Speaking during the event, LACRA’s Project Coordinator Philip Torborg said the platform was designed to increase farmers’ understanding of how cocoa prices are determined and to encourage greater transparency between producers and buyers. He emphasized that informed farmers are better positioned to negotiate fair prices and improve their livelihoods.
He said, LACRA’s mandate includes regulating agricultural commodity markets and promoting fair competition, quality standards, and equitable pricing for producers.
“As cocoa farmers, you need to produce high-quality beans, comply with national standards, and work through organized cooperatives to improve your bargaining power and increase market opportunities” Coordinator Torborg emphasized.
During interactive discussions, farmers raised concerns about fluctuating market prices, transportation costs, access to certified buyers, and the need for timely dissemination of farm-gate prices.
Participants also called for continued training on quality production practices that would enable Liberian cocoa to compete on international markets. They also underscored the need for massive awareness on cocoa pricing by LACRA.
The meeting ended with a commitment from LACRA and IFAD to continue engaging cocoa-producing communities through regular pricing platforms, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at ensuring transparency and improving incomes for cocoa farmers across Liberia.