In a move to contribute to Liberia's food industry, Rose Martin-King, a Liberian entrepreneur, has officially launched a new butchery shop and farm store in Joe Bar, Paynesville City.
The initiative is a significant establishment that seeks to help revolutionize the local meat market.
Mrs. Martin-King is the visionary for the El Shaddai Butchery Agriculture Enterprise, an integrated farm situated in Charlesville Township, Margibi County.
Her butchery shop aims to provide locally sourced organic meat products, including beef, pork, goat, and chicken all being raised on the farm at reasonable prices. The farm is known for good farming practices, where animals are confined and others grazing, ensuring that they are healthy and raised in the most natural conditions.
During the grand opening ceremony, Martin-King passionately spoke about the challenges and motivations that led her to establish the butchery. "This business is 100% Liberian-owned, and it's my belief that if others can do it, so can we," she explained. "This venture is about showing young Liberians that agriculture, especially meat production, is a viable and profitable industry."
Martin-King, who draws inspiration from her late father, a passionate farmer, shared that her love for agriculture and animals began at a young age. "I grew up on the farm, and that passion has stayed with me. I love the soil, the animals, and the process of growing and nurturing them. Now, I'm bringing that same dedication to this business to provide healthy and fresh meat products to Liberians," she said.
El Shaddai Butchery's commitment to quality is evident not only in the careful rearing of the livestock but also in the meticulous standards of hygiene and customer service maintained at the facility. The butchery boasts a clean and inviting environment where customers can be assured of both the quality and safety of the meat they purchase.
Martin-King emphasized that this focus on hygiene, alongside the commitment to fresh and locally produced meat, is what sets El Shaddai apart from its competitors.
"We want our customers to feel confident in the food they are consuming. All our animals are raised on the El Shaddai Farm, and they are free from sickness. The meat is fresh, and we ensure that every step, from farm to butchery, adheres to the highest standards of cleanliness and quality," Martin-King stated.
One of the key challenges that El Shaddai Butchery faces is the resistance to locally produced goods in the Liberian market. Martin-King, however, remains undeterred by the competition. "The road has not been easy, but with faith and perseverance, we have pushed through," she remarked. "There were times when I faced challenges, like finding skilled workers or accessing the necessary resources, but I've always believed that with God's guidance and hard work, anything is possible."
To overcome these challenges, Martin-King has focused on mentoring young Liberians to take up agricultural careers, especially in the meat industry. She is determined to foster a new generation of farmers and butchers who will help ensure that Liberia becomes self-sufficient in food production. "Our focus is not just on business success but on creating opportunities for the youth and empowering them to make a difference in their communities," she explained.
The butchery's farm-to-table model is already attracting attention in the community, with locals eager to support a Liberian-owned business that provides fresh, healthy meat. In addition to selling meat, El Shaddai Butchery offers a variety of farm products, including eggs, vegetables, and fresh fruit juices, sourced directly from the El Shaddai Farm.
Martin-King also shared her vision for expanding the business in the coming years. "We're not just stopping here. We have plans to open additional branches and also offer home delivery services. Technology is an important part of the modern business world, and we are excited to integrate mobile money payments and delivery services to make it easier for our customers to access our products," she revealed.
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Despite the obstacles, the El Shaddai Butchery team remains hopeful for the future. Martin-King expressed gratitude to her mentor, Mr. Kenneth Y. Best, for his unwavering support throughout her professional journey. "I want to thank my mentor, Mr. Kenneth Best. He is the reason I am who I am today," she said.
The dedication ceremony also featured an uplifting moment with Mr. Kenneth Y. Best, Publisher of the Daily Observer Newspaper and a mentor to Martin-King, who provided a scriptural reading from Psalm 127:1-2. It reads: "Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep."
El Shaddai Butchery is poised to be a leader in Liberia's local meat production industry, setting the standard for other businesses in the sector. With its focus on sustainable farming, quality meat products, and empowering young Liberians, El Shaddai Butchery offers hope for the future of Liberia's food security and agricultural economy.
