FAO DIRECTOR-GENERAL LAUNCHES TWO FLAGSHIP AGRICULTURE INITIATIVES IN LIBERIA

[Monrovia, Liberia — December 11, 2025] — The Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Dr. Qu Dongyu, has officially launched two major initiatives in Liberia: the Hand-in-Hand Initiative and the One Country, One Priority Product (OCOP) program, with Coffea Liberica selected as the country’s flagship commodity.

The launch marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food security, increase value addition, and modernize the agrifood sector through innovation and strategic partnerships. Coffea Liberica, a rare coffee species native to Liberia, was selected for its unique qualities and strong potential to elevate the country’s profile in the global coffee market.

With this endorsement, Liberia becomes the first African country to introduce a coffee product under the OCOP framework. It also reflects FAO’s recognition of Liberia’s rich agricultural biodiversity and the government’s renewed commitment to revitalizing the coffee industry to boost economic growth.

Dr. Qu Dongyu described the launch as a pivotal moment for Liberia, saying: “Today marks an important moment for Liberia’s agrifood transformation as we launch two powerful and complementary FAO flagship initiatives. Our focus is on tangible change and measurable results. Liberian farmers, you are the cornerstone of this transformation.”

Under the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, FAO will work closely with Liberia to identify high-impact agricultural investment areas using advanced geospatial tools, strengthen climate-resilient farming practices, and boost productivity. Together, the Hand-in-Hand and OCOP programs are expected to reduce poverty, improve nutrition, and enhance Liberia’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.

Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah welcomed the collaboration and underscored the importance of the initiatives, noting:

“Let me express gratitude to FAO for the partnership and reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to using Coffea Liberica as a catalyst for sustainable development. Through these initiatives, we aim to create new employment opportunities and attract greater private-sector investment. We are confident that Coffea Liberica will become a symbol of agricultural innovation and economic empowerment for Liberians.”

By prioritizing Coffea Liberica, Liberia seeks to expand job opportunities in production and processing, grow its presence in the specialty coffee market, and strengthen agribusiness activities nationwide. The country will also benefit from international exposure through exhibitions, technical training, and South–South cooperation with other coffee-producing nations.

The launch signals a renewed spirit of collaboration between FAO and the Government of Liberia. It affirms a shared vision of transforming agriculture into a powerful driver of inclusive and sustainable national development.