19/03/2026
The Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC) is celebrating a new milestone in sustainable agriculture and community empowerment with the graduation of 22 tappers in Weesah Town, Grand Bassa County.
Held from February 18–28, 2026, the intensive 10-day training under LAC’s Dry Tapping School equipped participants with hands-on skills in panel selection, marking, bark consumption, hygiene, and responsible tapping practices. The program was facilitated by Smallholder Technical Advisors, Mr. Henry Gibson and Mr. Abraham Siakor.
Delivering keynote remarks, LAC’s Local Rubber Purchase Manager, Mr. Deepak Divakaran, stressed the importance of sustainability and forest protection, warning of the growing global threat of deforestation. He highlighted that “quality tapping can extend the productive life of a rubber tree to over 30 years,” noting that some of LAC’s trees planted in 1979 still produce latex today, 47 years later.
LAC further reminded all smallholders to uphold national labor and environment laws, providing tappers with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Smallholders were also urged to avoid soaking raw rubber in rivers to protect water quality and aquatic life.
Demonstrating its continued commitment to rural infrastructure, LAC recently completed a 6 km farm-to-market road and a new bridge in Weesah Town, enhancing local access and livelihoods.
Looking ahead, Mr. Mathew Fyle, Local Rubber Purchase (LRP) Supervisor, announced the launch of upcoming budding training programs to help smallholders replant independently and strengthen self-sufficiency.
In 2025, LAC trained more than 300 tappers across 11 locations nationwide. The Weesah Town graduation marks the first successful session for 2026, with the next sessions planned for B**g and Rivercess Counties as part of LAC’s expanding Smallholder Capacity Development Program.
Together, we grow communities, protect forests, and build a sustainable future for Liberia!