Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
GANTA, Nimba County — Liberia is taking new steps to strengthen its organic agriculture sector and improve access to premium international markets through a five-day capacity building workshop on the European Union’s updated organic certification standards.
The training, organized under the GROW2 Project, is funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Liberia and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in collaboration with the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority.
The workshop, taking place in Ganta from May 18–22, 2026, brings together certified cooperatives, exporters, and Business Development Service providers from across Liberia to strengthen their understanding of the New EU Organic Certification Standards and improve compliance with international organic market requirements.
Organizers said the training focuses specifically on the development and implementation of Organic System Plans (OSP), a critical requirement under the European Union’s updated organic certification framework. Participants are also receiving technical guidance on traceability systems, internal control mechanisms, documentation standards, and sustainable production practices required for organic certification.
Officials say the initiative represents an important investment in Liberia’s agricultural sector, especially the growing cocoa industry, which continues to attract attention from international organic buyers seeking sustainably produced commodities. Organizers emphasized that strengthening local technical expertise is essential for Liberia to maintain and expand its presence in premium organic markets in Europe and beyond.
The training is intended to consolidate and transfer technical knowledge to Liberian professionals and institutions that will continue supporting farmers, cooperatives, and exporters throughout the certification process after the project concludes.
The growing demand for certified organic cocoa presents significant economic opportunities for Liberia’s smallholder farmers. Organic certification enables producers to access high-value niche markets where buyers often pay premium prices for products that meet strict environmental and sustainability standards. The compliance with international organic certification requirements can also improve product quality, strengthen traceability, promote environmentally friendly farming methods, and increase the competitiveness of Liberian agricultural exports.
Participants at the workshop said the training is helping them better understand evolving EU regulations and the practical measures needed to maintain certification status for cocoa cooperatives and exporting companies.
The GROW2 Project forms part of broader efforts to support sustainable agricultural development, value addition, and export promotion in Liberia while improving livelihoods for rural farming communities.
As global demand for organic products continues to rise, the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority believes that strengthening local certification capacity will position Liberia to benefit more fully from international trade opportunities in the organic cocoa sector.
