By: Jackson Clay, Editor-in-chief

IPNews-Monrovia: Bong County district #5 Representative, Edward Karfiah is calling for the amendment of the Act establishing the Liberia Agriculture Commodity and Regularity Authority (LACRA) of the 2016.

In a communication written by Representative Karfiah which was read in Tuesday, January 28, 2020 session of the House of Representatives, the Bong County lawmaker stated that he wants the Act amended so as to give the entity the authority for purchasing and exporting of various agriculture commodities on the Liberian market.

“I herewith submit to plenary for action an amendment to the Liberia Agriculture Commodity and Regularity Authority (LACRA) Act of 2016: to create thereto sub-section 8.3, which to establish the entity’s authority for purchasing and exporting of various agriculture commodities on the Liberian market. Especially cocoa and coffee

According to Representative Karfiah, the amendment, when endorse shall for the record spur trade in local Liberian agriculture commodities, thus, increasing export earnings contribution to the country’s national budget and promotes Liberia’s agriculture commodities value chain integrity among others

Also, when this amendment is endorsed, no company in Liberia will have the power or right to export Cocoa as it is now in the country except LACRA while these companies would serve as mediators between the farmers and LACRA

“considering the challenging nature of our economy and the lack of support of our local farmers at present, it is my sincere hope that plenary will swiftly act on the instrument so as to enhance economy growth, create jobs, and give optimum support to farmers, thus, promoting our liberianization policy.

Currently, LACRA does not have the power to market or export Cocoa or coffee as it was done during the LPMC days, noting that back then, LPMC had the power to market and Export Cocoa beans from Liberia generating millions of dollars.

Meanwhile, the plenary which is the highest decision making body of the House of Representatives has turned over the Bong County lawmaker communication to its committee on Agriculture to report back to full plenary within one week.