By Patrick Stephen Tokpah
/BONG
The Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) has commenced a three-day retreat in Menina Resort in Zoweinta Town, Kpail District 1, Bong County.
The LACRA retreat 2025 is being held under the theme: “Rebranding LACRA for Institutional Development and Effectiveness.”
The Director General of the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority, Christopher Sankolo, said the retreat is intended to address the challenges faced by LACRA due to rapid industry growth by fostering team cohesion, enhancing collaboration, and equipping staff with innovative solutions and necessary skills.
He further revealed that the retreat will specifically enhance team collaboration and operational departments to foster institutional growth and drive strategic innovations with the LACRA.
The LACRA Director General emphasized that the ongoing retreat will promote employees’ professional development, well-being, and a supportive work environment of the entity.
Mr. Sankolo said the retreat will also take a deep look at the past work of LACRA and the current and future of the entity that is responsible for regulating the cocoa and coffee sector of the country.
The retreat is designed to provide a platform for reflection, open discussions, and strategic planning, as well as to foster a sense of unity and collaboration among employees.
The focal point of the retreat is the call for a renewed approach to the regulatory body’s operations, including exploring opportunities to optimize resources, refine internal systems, and enhance service delivery to Liberia’s agricultural industry.
Mr. Sankolo stressed that the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Authority is currently working with other international partners/investors and they have expressed interest in the coffee sector, adding that President Joseph N. Boakai has been informed about the decision regarding the interest of the investors.
“So the only thing the investors want from us as LACRA is our support and guidance and the enabling environment,” Mr. Sankolo added.
Mr. Sankolo called on employees to maintain a spirit of openness and free expression within the workplace, stating that an institution thrives when individuals feel empowered to share ideas and contribute towards collective growth.
“I encourage each one of you to speak freely during this retreat and beyond. Every idea matters, and every voice should be heard”. Director General Sankolo said “LACRA’s strength lies in its people, and it is only through unity, collaboration, and effective communication that we can succeed in transforming this institution into a model of excellence in agricultural regulation.”
Liberia Agriculture Minister Alexander Nuetah, who spoke through a proxy at the opening ceremony of the retreat on March 13, 2025, Deputy Agriculture Minister for Regional Development Research and Extension, Moses Gbaryan, lauded the administration of LACRA for organizing such a unique retreat that will help in enhancing the work of the entity.
He urged the administration of LACRA to operate with the highest standards of integrity for the overall betterment of the agriculture sector of the Country.
The call to action by Deputy Minister Gbaryan serves as a reminder of the vital role the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Authority plays in the nation’s development.
The Deputy Minister, at the same time, underscored the need for LACRA to prioritize farmers’ welfare, something he believes would contribute significantly to achieving and improving the overall well-being of Liberia’s agricultural sectors.
Minister Gbaryan also highlighted the need for innovative solutions to address challenges that are hampering the operation of the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Authority, in turn of production.
Deputy Minister Gbaryan admonished the LACRA management to use the retreat to improve their work habit.
He said there is a need to promote and regulate the agriculture sector in Liberia, ensuring the production and trade of high-quality agricultural commodities while protecting consumers, promoting fair trade practices, and supporting sustainable agricultural development.
It can be recalled that LACRA was established to replace the Liberian Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC) as defined in Chapter 57 of the Executive Law of 1973 for the purposes of: promoting production, processing, and marketing of high-quality agricultural commodities particularly cocoa, coffee, palm, and other agricultural produce to ensure the provision of a well-regulated market. The entity ensures fair competition among all actors in the value chain; facilitate regional and international standardization of quality of agricultural commodities; enhance income generating and earning capacities and improve the general socio-economic wellbeing of producers, public/private stakeholders, service providers, and interveners involved in the production, processing, and marketing of agro-related commodities.
