LACRA, Stakeholders in Cocoa and Coffee Value Chain Officially Set Farm-Gate Prices for 2025/2026 Season

 In a groundbreaking development for Liberia’s agriculture sector, the Liberia Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (LACRA) has, for the first time, officially set farm-gate prices for cocoa and coffee for the 2025–2026 season, following a multi-stakeholder workshop held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Hosted at the Clar Marie Weah Event Hall of the Center for National Documents and Records Agency on 12th Street, the workshop brought together a diverse group of value chain actors, including representatives from government ministries, farmers, cooperatives, exporters, financial institutions, civil society organizations, and international development partners. The workshop was convened to validate price formulation models and promote transparency, predictability, and sustainability in the cocoa and coffee sectors. Following presentations, plenary discussions, and collaborative reflections, participants agreed on a seasonal fixed pricing model to ensure stability, fairness, and international competitiveness. Key resolutions from the workshop include:Seasonal Fixed Pricing Model: Adopted to enhance predictability and competitiveness. Prices will be subject to periodic review based on global market trends. Stakeholders endorsed a living income for farmers and committed to incentivizing quality, traceability, and cooperative-based standards compliance. Farmer-Friendly Communication Tools: LACRA will produce and distribute clear pricing materials and information supported by strong data collection and dissemination systems. Farmer Awareness and Education Campaign: A nationwide awareness program will be launched through ELBC and rural radio stations, complemented by newspaper articles, jingles, and public service announcements in collaboration with the Liberia Agriculture & Environmental Journalists Network. Inclusion of Organic Production: Organic cocoa and coffee, including their production processes, will be factored into seasonal price formulation. Official Farm-Gate Prices for 2025–2026 Season:Cocoa Grade 1: USD 4.73/kg Cocoa Grade 2: USD 3.54/kg Cocoa Grade 3: USD 2.36/kg Speaking at the conclusion of the event, LACRA Acting Director General Dan Saryee, on behalf of the Board of Directors, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their vital contributions in shaping a pricing model that supports farmer livelihoods and industry growth. Also speaking, Mr. Sheik Turay, President of the Liberia Cocoa and Coffee Exporters Association, lauded the initiative as “a step in the right direction” for Liberia’s agricultural transformation.