Local rice producers also face stereotypical misconception from the Ministry of Agriculture, Cooper says. The ministry perceives local producers like hers as threat to the local farmers and considers the processing companies as the ‘enemy’ of the farmers. To reduce risks and challenges for the local rice production sector, Cooper suggests more emphasizes have to be placed on the implementation of foreign aid rice production projects in the country. Liberian producers like Fabrar see the President’s move as a slap in their face despite their struggles to keep a lifeline. Meanwhile, Cooper says local producers are calling on the government to reserve the supply to public institutions, schools feeding programs, and agencies for local producers.

Source: Front Page Africa March 07, 2018 03:22 UTC