Monrovia, Liberia – The Advisory Board of the Lotus Foods Foundation has approved additional funding support for the Community of Hope Agriculture Project (CHAP) under its FARM4JOBS initiative to strengthen rice value chain development and expand the production and supply of the “I Love Liberian Rice” brand for both local and international markets.
The additional support is expected to boost CHAP’s ongoing efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture, improve food security, and create more economic opportunities for smallholder farmers across Liberia.
Founded in 1995, Lotus Foods has spent 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 worldwide.
Earlier in 2025, the Foundation provided funding support to CHAP for the procurement of 70,000 rice packaging bags in multiple sizes, along with a modern vacuum packaging machine.
According to CHAP, the investment significantly improved packaging operations and enhanced the quality, shelf life, and market presentation of the “I Love Liberian Rice” brand.
CHAP noted that the initial intervention has already strengthened the competitiveness of locally produced rice on the domestic market by improving preservation, packaging standards, and overall market readiness.
With the newly approved funding, CHAP plans to expand rice production capacity, improve processing systems, and create additional income-generating opportunities for smallholder rice farmers, particularly women engaged in rice cultivation and processing activities.
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 across the country.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of CHAP’s “I Love Liberian Rice” initiative is currently in the United States holding a series of strategic meetings with partners and stakeholders.
During the visit, he is expected to showcase the work and impact of CHAP while engaging additional partners to support 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 impactful results achieved through the Foundation’s initial support, particularly the successful acquisition and use of modern rice packaging equipment and materials.