With warnings of global food shortage, farmers here have been urged by the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Linda Thomas-Greenfeild to embark on a larger food production thus exposing their country to the consumption of more local food than imported ones.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfeild , speaking last week to some 500 participants from across Liberia at "Made In Liberia" trade fair, hailed the post-war food production efforts.

She congratulated the farmers, adding, "I think it is now time that you move from celebration to massive production, for long you have imported potatoes,onions and other food items from guinea. Now is time that you should embark on a massive food production and stop relying on imported butter rice for consumption, ," U.S. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfeild urged.

She said the if the farmers improve on the quantity of food produced, such a venture will create an opportunity for the well being and development of Liberia adding: "the trade fair signifies the opportunity for that."

"Made in Liberia, will cost you less than imported goods. In fact let me tell you that made in Liberia are more expensive in the U.S. Therefore, relying on "made in liberia" will expand your export and lessen your burden of buying expensive imported food items. Since i came here, i have always loved to eat food grown and produce here than the imported ones," said the US Ambassador.

The fair was organized by USAID through their implementing agency, the Liberia Community Infrastructure Programe(LCIP) and its local partner Organization of Agricultural and Farmers Related Association (ODAFARA) in Robbertsport, Grand Capemount county.