Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetah announces December 10–12 event, urges farmers to produce more and reduce food imports
MONROVIA – Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetah has officially launched the 2026 National Agriculture Fair, announcing that the three-day event will be held in Voinjama City, Lofa County, from December 10 to 12.
By: Gegee Brima – alhajigegeebrima@gmail.com
The fair is expected to bring together farmers, agribusinesses, cooperatives, processors and other agricultural value-chain stakeholders from Liberia’s 15 counties to showcase local products and explore opportunities for strengthening the country’s agricultural sector.
This year’s fair will be held under the theme, “Grow More, Import Less for Sustainable Development,” which Minister Nuetah said emphasizes the need to increase local food production and support businesses and individuals involved in the agricultural value chain.
He explained that the theme speaks directly to farmers, agricultural input suppliers, transport operators, processors and marketers, urging them to contribute to increased domestic production and food supply.
“Farmers across the country, this theme is speaking to you,” Nuetah said, calling on farmers to increase production and supply more food to local markets.
According to the Minister, reducing Liberia’s dependence on imported food would help retain more revenue within the country while encouraging investment in local agricultural production.
The event is being organized in collaboration with the Crusaders for Peace, with the Liberia National Police expected to provide security. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other development partners will also support the activities.
The opening day, Thursday, December 10, will feature Liberia’s national celebration of World Food Day in collaboration with FAO. The celebration will be held under the global theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.”
Although World Food Day is internationally observed on October 16 each year, countries may organize their national celebrations on different dates.
The opening day will also feature a food festival showcasing traditional dishes from Liberia’s 15 counties. Each county is expected to prepare and present its traditional cuisine for assessment by a panel of judges.
On Friday, December 11, FAO will host a one-day agriculture finance forum bringing together farmers, cooperatives and agribusinesses to discuss financing challenges and explore opportunities to improve access to funding.
The day will also feature the symbolic inauguration of agricultural mechanization service centers in Lofa County, beginning with the center in Voinjama.
Minister Nuetah disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture has established mechanization service centers in six counties ahead of the arrival of 304 pieces of agricultural machinery.
He said Lofa County has four designated centers, including one in Voinjama, one in Kolahun and two in Foya District.
Saturday, December 12, will serve as the main exhibition and display day, when farmers and other agricultural stakeholders will showcase their produce, livestock and processed products for visitors to view, purchase and learn about.
The program will also recognize former Liberian agriculture ministers, beginning with those who served from 1983 onward. The recognition will be accompanied by discussions highlighting their experiences and contributions to the country’s agricultural development.
The fair will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding farmers and agricultural products, including rice producers.
Meanwhile, Nuetah announced that the government is working with the World Bank to develop an Agro-Connect Compact for Liberia, which is expected to be officially launched during the fair on December 12.
The Agriculture Minister said the National Agriculture Fair is part of the Ministry’s mandate and dates back to 1956.
He recalled that the government revived the event in 2024 in Kakata, Margibi County, followed by another edition in Ganta, Nimba County, in 2025.
Nuetah has invited farmers, cooperatives and agricultural businesses from across Liberia to participate in this year’s event in Voinjama by bringing their products for exhibition and sale.
He described Lofa County as one of Liberia’s traditional food-producing regions and encouraged visitors to attend the fair and support local farmers by purchasing products displayed by exhibitors.
