Rubber production remains one of the major foreign exchange earners for the Government and Firestone runs the world’s largest rubber estate —90,000 acres with 11 million high-yielding trees at Harbel and Cavalla. Rubber production growth has reached a plateau. It increased by only 11 per cent in 2001 and low international market prices have affected profits. The rubber sector could begin an irreversible decline in years ahead. The gestation period for rubber trees is five to six years; considerable parts of the three main plantations are coming to the end of their productive life, and no significant replanting is under way. Rubber requires a longer-term approach and it remains a less easy target for “at source” off-budget expenditures. The spread of the Lofa war has also affected rubber production, especially around Bomi. Re-plant has to start immediately to secure middle term revenues.

The rubber industry offers unique opportunities as Liberia is one of the biggest world producers of rubber. There are some old banded plants but also many small private rubber farms. In the past John Bestman tried to establish a cooperative purchase house where the farmers could deposit their yield in consignation to have the cooperation sell it for fair ongoing market prices. BUT the war came in between and you know the results. This plan is still very viable. John has some major fields, and farmers have great faith in his abilities to structure a cooperation.