Liberia maps out agriculture traceability plan to protect farmers and exports
LACRA says the new roadmap could help farmers keep access to global markets and meet strict trade rules.
LIBERIA – The Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) has presented a proposed National Agriculture Traceability System Roadmap, setting out steps to help the country meet the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and protect its farm sector.
The roadmap outlines how Liberia can track key agricultural products from farms to markets. The EUDR requires companies to prove that products entering the European Union are not linked to deforestation, are produced legally, and can be traced through clear records.
The regulation covers major commodities such as cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, wood, and rubber, along with products made from them.
Stakeholders discuss traceability needs
LACRA presented the roadmap during a National Traceability Steering Committee meeting at the Royal Grand Hotel in Sinkor. The meeting brought together representatives from the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the International Finance Corporation, the LACRA Board, lawmakers, the Forestry Development Authority, CDA, farmers’ groups, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
Participants stressed the need to link agricultural products to verified and registered farmers as a key step toward compliance.
LACRA Acting Director General Dan Saryee warned that failure to act could harm farmers and the economy.
“As an entity providing regulatory responsibility to our farmers and all actors within the value chain, we thought it was very important to take the lead on this matter,” Saryee said.
He added that many people misunderstand the regulation.
“Many people misunderstand the intent of EUDR. It is not just a European requirement; it is a global requirement,” he said.
Saryee noted that the issue has come up even in talks with China.
“In my recent meeting with the Chinese Embassy, as we seek to place our products on the Chinese market, EUDR was mentioned. This tells us that it is not targeted at one locality,” he said.
He warned that farmers could lose market access if Liberia fails to meet the rules.
“If EUDR is not addressed, we as legislators, government officials, and technicians risk a situation where over 30 percent of our farmers’ products will grow and die on the farms without access to markets,” Saryee said.
Economic stakes and new efforts
Bobby Mensah, Program Lead at the International Finance Corporation, said Liberia has received one more year to meet EUDR requirements, but the risks remain high.
“EUDR is not voluntary; it is a compliance measure. It is a must,” Mensah said. “The IFC is excited to support the Government of Liberia in ensuring that all necessary legal and regulatory frameworks are put in place.”
LACRA also praised the government and development partners for funding the country’s first agricultural traceability platform in Lofa County. The platform aims to help farmers meet international trade rules and keep access to export markets.
In recent months, Liberia has increased coordination with ministries, lawmakers, and development partners to strengthen data systems and farmer registration. Officials say these steps could help reduce trade risks and support farmers who depend on exports for income.
Saryee urged stakeholders to act together to protect farmers and the national economy.
“EUDR is our next nightmare, and we must confront it together as a nation to defend the survival of our farmers and their farms,” he said.
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