Story Written by Thomas West
Purukpeh Agriculture Farm, a rising star in Liberia’s agricultural sector, made a notable debut at the Made-in-Liberia Trade Fair on July 20, 2024, in Monrovia. The agro-business participation highlighted its commitment to sustainable farming practices and its potential to contribute significantly to the country’s agricultural economy.
Purukpeh Agriculture Farm showcased a variety of its products, including Cassava flour and Plantain Fufu. The farm’s display attracted significant attention from fairgoers, who praised the quality and variety of the products on offer. The debut was marked by a well-organized exhibit that emphasized the farm’s dedication to sustainable and innovative agricultural practices.
The management of Purukpeh Agriculture Farm expressed deep gratitude to the organizers of the Made-in-Liberia Trade Fair for providing a platform to showcase their products. They acknowledged the support from various stakeholders, including development partners, and the government, which has been instrumental in their growth and success.
“We are immensely grateful to all the partners involved in organizing this fair,” said Estelle Liberty-Kemoh, head of Purukpeh Agriculture Farm. “This event has given us a unique opportunity to present our products to a broader audience and network with potential buyers and investors. We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our supporters who have been with us on this journey.”
The successful debut of Purukpeh Agriculture Farm at the Made-in-Liberia Trade Fair underscores the potential of local agricultural enterprises to contribute to Liberia’s economic growth. The farm’s participation not only highlighted its products but also reinforced the importance of sustainable farming practices. “As Purukpeh Agriculture Farm looks to the future, it remains committed to playing a pivotal role in the advancement of Liberia’s agricultural sector’’, Estelle Liberty-Kemoh underscored.
Agriculture Products Dominate Made in Liberia Fair
The annual “Made in Liberia Fair,” held last week at the Monrovia City Hall, showcased the nation’s burgeoning agricultural sector, highlighting a variety of locally produced goods that underscore Liberia’s agricultural potential.
The fair, which aims to promote locally made products and support small and medium-sized enterprises, saw a significant presence of agriculture-based products. Farmers and agribusinesses from across the country displayed an impressive array of produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables, processed foods, and organic products.
Another highlight was the innovative use of local raw materials in creating value-added products. The Nimba Cocoa Cooperative showcased its range of cocoa-based products, from raw cocoa beans to artisanal chocolates. This initiative not only promotes the consumption of locally produced chocolate but also adds value to Liberia’s cocoa industry, which has historically been focused on raw bean exports.
Processed foods were another major attraction, with businesses like “Taste of Liberia” offering a variety of preserved jams, sauces, and dried fruits. These products, made from locally sourced ingredients, cater to both local and international markets, demonstrating the potential for Liberian food products to compete globally.
Organic and sustainable farming practices also took center stage. Green Earth Liberia, a sustainable agriculture initiative, exhibited organic vegetables and herbs grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The initiative’s founder, Samuel Browne, discussed the growing demand for organic products and the positive environmental impact of sustainable farming methods.
The success of the fair reflects a growing recognition of agriculture as a vital component of Liberia’s economy. As the country continues to recover from past economic challenges, events like the Made in Liberia Fair highlight the resilience and resourcefulness of Liberian farmers and entrepreneurs. The Made in Liberia Fair is poised to become an annual tradition, fostering a culture of local production and consumption, and driving the growth of the agricultural sector for years to come.