PRODUCE MONITORING BOARD HOLDS ITS SECOND QUALITY PRODUCE FAIR IN KENEMA CITY

The second 2nd Quality Produce Fair (2nd QPF) organized by Produce Monitoring Board and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (PMB/MIT) was held in Kenema from the 12th – 16th December 2018 to showcase SMEs/MSMEs – Agribusiness Organizations – Producers Organizations, Cooperatives, Exporters, Food Processors and other key stakeholders.

The Quality Produce Fair was inspired by the outcome of Sierra Leone’s participation in the Cocoa of Excellence Programme in 2017, organized by the University of Bioversity in France were Sierra Leone won the International Cocoa of Excellence Award.

Other objectives for hosting this fair are to promote quality Production and value addition in the produce sector,  to create a market platform where buyers and sellers will  meet and conduct business, to enhance stakeholders knowledge on world market quality requirements of all exportable agricultural commodities, to provide capacity building training opportunities to stakeholders on;- quality standards, market information system, packaging for export, dynamics of international trade, access to finance, containerization, and to enhance Producer Organizations’ ability to access finance.

Delivering his maiden statement, the Executive Chairman of PMB, Dr. James Vibbi informed participants and visitors the current status of the board comparing his three months success with his predecessors.

The Keynote Speaker, His Excellency the President, Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio congratulated the Executive Chairman for his success and informed the public that Cacao Show will be held every year in Kenema and encouraged stakeholders to work together. The program was chaired by Chief Minister, Professor Francis.

The fair was attended by 70 farmer cooperatives, cooperate and entertainment entities, NGOs in the agricultural sector and agri-business organizations. The event was climaxed by a closing and award ceremony.