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By Thomas West
The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), in partnership with national and international development partners, has honored outstanding farmers across the country who participated in the 2025 National Agriculture Fair, recognizing excellence, innovation, and commitment to agricultural development in Liberia.
The honoring ceremony held in Bong County brought together farmers, agribusiness operators, policymakers, traditional leaders, development partners, and government officials to celebrate achievements in the agriculture sector and reaffirm support for farmer-led development.
Awards were presented in several categories, including Best Fish Farmer of the Year, Best Fruit Crops Farmer, Best Livestock Farmer, Best Cash Crop Producer, and Best Food Crops Farmer. Special recognitions were also given for UN Women Female Farmer of the Year, FAO Farmer Award, Agricultural Innovator of the Year, Minister of Agriculture’s Farmer of the Year, and the President’s Farmer of the Year.
In addition to certificates, awardees received modern agricultural equipment to enhance productivity and efficiency. Items distributed included rice mills, cassava processing machines, power tillers, knapsack sprayers, wheelbarrows, and destoners, among others. The equipment is expected to help reduce post-harvest losses, improve value addition, and strengthen farmers’ capacity to meet market demands.
Speaking at the ceremony, Assistant Minister for Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture, Edward Perry, said the initiative was part of the government’s broader strategy to transform agriculture from subsistence to commercial production.
“These awards are meant to motivate farmers to adopt modern farming techniques, increase productivity, and contribute meaningfully to national food security and economic growth,” Perry said. “Recognizing excellence encourages competition, innovation, and sustainability across the agricultural value chain.”
He added that the National Agriculture Fair also serves as a learning platform where farmers and stakeholders can exchange ideas, share best practices, and build partnerships that will strengthen Liberia’s agricultural sector.
Representing the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Program Officer Musa Sanoe praised the awardees for demonstrating that farming can be both productive and profitable when supported with the right knowledge and tools.
“Today’s farmers are showing that agriculture is no longer just a livelihood activity but a viable business,” Sanoe said. “FAO remains committed to supporting Liberia’s farmers through capacity building, technology transfer, and improved access to markets.”
He further emphasized the importance of youth and women participation in agriculture, noting that empowering these groups is key to achieving long-term food security and economic resilience.
Award recipients expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a strong motivation to expand their operations and improve productivity. Beneficiaries also pledged to use the equipment responsibly to increase output and support community food needs.
“This recognition has encouraged us to do more,” one farmer said. “With the equipment we received, we can now process faster, reduce losses, and increase our income.”
The 2025 National Agriculture Fair underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening agriculture as a pillar of Liberia’s economy. Through continued collaboration with development partners and the private sector, the Ministry of Agriculture aims to enhance food production, promote agribusiness, and improve livelihoods across the country.
