The Liberia Cement Corporation (CEMENCO) has purchased 200 bags of locally produced Liberian rice from the Community of Hope Agriculture Project (CHAP) as part of its endorsement of the organization’s production.
This comes less than a week after CHAP and CEMENCO signed a partnership agreement.
During the purchase of the rice on Friday, May 24, 2024, CEMENCO Managing Director, William Gaignard, pledged his company’s support to buying and promoting CHAP ‘I Love Liberian rice.’
He also requested 300 bags and called on over 1,000 foreign companies to do the same by buying a minimum of 50 bags of ‘I love Liberian rice.’
CEMENCO donated the 200 bags of rice they bought to JFK Medical Center, Redemption Hospital, Al-Hilal Medical and Surgical Clinic, and Mawah Health Center respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, the company’s Managing Director said his institution is firmly committed to the fight against malnutrition, a scourge that particularly affects vulnerable populations in Liberia.
Mr. Gaignard said, “Aware of the crucial needs for food, particularly rice, expressed by several hospitals and health centers, CEMENCO has decided to take concrete measures to provide effective and lasting aid.”
“CEMENCO’s main objective is to promote and enhance the work of our Liberian farmers who produce rice of exceptional quality.
By promoting the recognition and distribution of this rice throughout the country, CEMENCO not only helps meet immediate food needs but also supports the local economy and strengthens long-term food security,” Mr. Gaignard said.
He also said “This approach will make it possible to respond quickly to food emergencies while supporting local producers.
CEMENCO is launching a promotion campaign through our FB and partnership with CHAP SRI to publicize the quality of Liberian rice throughout the country.
This campaign aims to raise consumer awareness of the importance of buying local and to promote the work of Liberian farmers.”
CEMENCO’s move to boost domestic rice production is seen as a significant step in the government’s efforts to achieve food security and reduce the country’s reliance on imported rice.
For his part, the Executive Director of CHAP, Robert Bimba called on Liberians to love, promote, buy, eat their rice, and invest in their own Liberian company, saying this will create sustainable jobs and bring economic growth.
“Thanks to the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Agriculture for the support to CHAP processing facility expansion under the LACF grant to build an additional rice mill, warehouse, and logistics. Nothing tastes good like Liberian rice,” Rev. Bimba said.
The partnership between CEMENCO and CHAP is a testament to the government’s commitment to promoting local agricultural production and reducing the country’s reliance on imported food.
Liberians are urged to support this initiative by buying the “I LOVE LIBERIA RICE” to keep their families healthy and help boost local farmers’ strength and the government’s agriculture agenda.
