By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The Advisory Board of the Lotus Foods Foundation has approved additional funding support for the Community of Hope Agriculture Project under its FARM4JOBS initiative to strengthen rice value chain development and expand production of the “I Love Liberian Rice” brand for local and international markets.
The new funding is expected to boost ongoing efforts by CHAP to promote climate-smart agriculture, improve food security, and create more economic opportunities for smallholder farmers across Liberia, particularly women involved in rice cultivation and processing.
Founded in 1995, Lotus Foods has spent the past three decades promoting sustainable rice production globally.
In 2025, the Lotus Foods Foundation was established by co-founders Caryl Levine and Ken Lee to advance climate-friendly rice farming, empower women farmers, and strengthen the resilience of farming communities around the world.
Earlier this year, the Foundation provided funding support to CHAP for the procurement of 70,000 rice packaging bags in multiple sizes and a modern vacuum packaging machine.
According to CHAP, the investment significantly improved packaging operations while enhancing the quality, shelf life, and market presentation of the “I Love Liberian Rice” brand.
CHAP noted that the initial intervention strengthened the competitiveness of locally produced rice on the domestic market through improved preservation, packaging standards, and overall market readiness.
With the newly approved support, CHAP plans to expand rice production capacity, improve processing systems, and create additional income-generating opportunities for smallholder rice farmers across Liberia.
The initiative aligns with broader national efforts aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, increasing local food production, and reducing Liberia’s dependence on imported rice through value addition and enhanced local processing.
CHAP also expressed appreciation to the Lotus Foods Foundation for its continued partnership and commitment to supporting Liberia’s agricultural sector and improving rural livelihoods.
The Community of Hope Agriculture Project serves as Liberia’s focal organization for the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and continues to collaborate with local and international partners to promote sustainable rice production and food security initiatives nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of CHAP’s “I Love Liberian Rice” initiative is currently in the United States holding strategic meetings with partners and stakeholders aimed at mobilizing additional support for the expansion of the FARM4JOBS rice value chain initiative.
According to CHAP, the decision by the Lotus Foods Foundation to approve additional funding was influenced by the positive results achieved through the Foundation’s initial support, particularly the successful acquisition and use of modern rice packaging equipment and materials.
