By: Andrew B Weah
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA) has officially commenced a two-day workshop aimed at validating the 2026 Oil Palm Regulation, a significant step towards enhancing the country’s oil palm industry. The workshop, held in Monrovia, on Thursday January, 29, 2026 brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, industry leaders, to discuss the new regulatory framework.
Cllr. Roosevelt Gould, Legal Consultant for LACRA, presented an overview of the Oil Palm Regulation, stressed the importance of quality control and hygiene throughout the production and transportation process. “Every product and how you transport it matters significantly,” Gould stated, stressing that containers used for palm oil must be clean and dedicated solely to this purpose to prevent contamination.
The regulation mandates strict hygiene protocols for all handlers and aims to reinforce Liberia’s position in meeting international quality standards. “Our goal is to ensure that every drop of palm oil produced is traceable—from plantation to port,” Gould reiterated.
To facilitate compliance, LACRA is implementing a digital accessibility system that captures data from farms, buying stations, mills, and shipping points. This approach allows for various chain of custody models, ensuring transparency and integrity in the oil palm supply chain. “Trade transparency is vital,” Gould noted, highlighting LACRA’s commitment to preventing anti-competitive behaviors in the market.
Additionally, the new regulation introduces a national grading system for oil palm, which includes parameters such as free fatty acid content, moisture, and impurities. “Inspections will be systematic and scientific, with every export consignment required to undergo testing at a certified laboratory before a quality certificate is issued,” Gould explained.
The workshop also addressed the critical role of smallholders in Liberia’s oil palm sector, with LACRA stressing its commitment to providing formal recognition and institutional support. “We want to ensure that smallholders are integrated into regulated and competitive supply chains,” Gould remarked, outlining a national program that will provide access to certified seedlings and training.
The LACRA Oil Palm Regulation 2026 represents a transformative step in Liberia’s agricultural governance, balancing economic opportunity with environmental protection and social justice.
The regulation includes a generous transition phase for existing operators to adapt to the new compliance requirements, ensuring that Liberia remains aligned with evolving sustainability expectations.
As the workshop progresses, stakeholders are encouraged to provide candid feedback to ensure that the final regulations reflect practical realities and support Liberia’s goal of enhancing its oil palm sector while fostering sustainable practices.
In his Special Remarks at the opening Acting Director General Hon. Dan T. Saryee called for the the urgent need to revamp the regulatory framework governing Liberia’s oil palm industry. Saryee said the forum is dedicated to the future of the sector, Saryee underscored that the industry is not merely a commodity but a cornerstone of national food security and a significant driver of rural economic growth.
“For too long, the potential of our oil palm industry has been hindered by a lack of clear, modernized, and enforceable regulations,” Saryee stated. “Today, we are here to change that.” Highlighting the wide-reaching impact of the oil palm value chain, which supports thousands of Liberian livelihoods from large-scale producers to smallholder farmers, Saryee pointed out that without a robust regulatory framework, fair pricing, international quality standards, and the integrity of the oil palm tree cannot be ensured.
Saryee outlined a strategic plan focused on decentralization, which aims to bring regulatory oversight closer to the farmers. “Through our five regional hubs located in Lofa, Bong, Margibi, Nimba, and Grand Bassa, we will ensure that our regulators, quality control officers, and inspectors are stationed at the farm gate,” he explained. “This decentralization means faster.
Minister of Commerce and Industry, Madam Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, for her part expressed her enthusiasm for the workshop, stating, “We are here to support the development of this crucial sector.” She explained the need for a robust regulatory framework to ensure fair pricing and protect the integrity of Liberia’s oil palm industry.
