MONROVIA, LIBERIA-President Joseph Boakai has declared Wednesday, October 1, “Global Coffee Day”.
President Boakai urged citizens, businesses, and government agencies to execute appropriate programs, celebrating Liberia’s Coffee Sector and its workforce.
The Liberian Leader also called for the promotion of fair trade and sustainability within the coffee supply chain, educating the public on the history, culture, and economic impact, and encouraging the consumption of locally grown coffee.
October 1 is recognized annually as “Global Coffee Day” by the International Coffee Organization (ICO), and seeks to promote sustainable practices, raise awareness of coffee farmers’ challenges, and celebrate coffee’s journey from bean to cup.
The Presidential Proclamation said coffee is one of the world’s most consumed beverages, a global commodity that fuels economic growth, supports millions of livelihoods, and enriches cultures worldwide.
Meanwhile, President Boakai has directed the Ministry of Agriculture, the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority, and relevant institutions to advance research to improve Coffee liberica quality, yield, and disease resistance.
Coffee Liberica, a robust, native species to West and Central Africa, offers distinct smoky, nutty, and chocolatey flavors with a rich body and lasting aroma.
The Liberian Leader, recognizing Coffee liberica as a strategic agricultural asset, called on the relevant institutions to promote the cultivation of Coffee liberica among smallholder farmers in suitable regions and support marketing efforts to position Coffee Liberica as a premium Liberian product.
A Foreign Ministry release quotes President Boakai as stressing that Liberia’s Coffee Industry holds historical and economic significance, contributing to national heritage, exports, and employment.
The President noted that cultivating Coffee liberica presents an opportunity to diversify Liberia’s Coffee Sector, improve climate resilience through its hardiness and disease resistance, and open niche markets for local farmers.