Liberia’s agricultural regulatory authority is exploring the Ivorian success model in cocoa production. The Acting Director General of the Liberia Agricultural Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA), Dan Saryee, and Deputy for Operations and Technical Services, Apha Gongolee, have embarked on a week-long mission to the Republic of Ivory Coast. The visit aims to deepen LACRA’s understanding of the Ivorian cocoa sector, which exported over $3.3 billion worth of cocoa in 2023.

During their mission, the LACRA officials will engage with key institutions, including the Ivorian Coffee and Cocoa Regulatory Authority and the Rainforest Alliance. They will also tour cocoa farms, fermentation centers, and packaging factories to gain insights into sustainable practices and advanced post-harvest processes. The mission is part of LACRA’s efforts to strengthen Liberia’s cocoa value chain and enhance farmer livelihoods.

LACRA’s new administration is implementing reforms to decentralize operations and provide direct support to cocoa farmers. These reforms include establishing regional warehouses, introducing practical farmer training, and constructing solar dryers in major cocoa-producing regions. The authority is also developing a traceability system to track cocoa beans from farm to port, ensuring compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulations.

The exploratory mission to Ivory Coast, a global leader in cocoa production, is expected to be pivotal for Liberia’s efforts to transform its cocoa sector. Liberia’s cocoa industry is seeking to improve quality and comply with global market standards. By learning from Ivory Coast’s success, LACRA hopes to position Liberia’s cocoa industry for growth and competitiveness.

The LACRA officials are expected to return to Liberia on September 20, 2025, with valuable insights and knowledge to inform the authority’s strategy for the cocoa sector. The mission underscores LACRA’s commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and boosting Liberia’s export competitiveness. As the authority continues to implement reforms and develop new initiatives, the success of the Ivorian cocoa model is likely to serve as a benchmark for Liberia’s progress.