EU deforestation policy endangers Nigeria’s $770m cocoa industry — Farmers

Cocoa farmers in Nigeria have raised concerns over the European Union’s upcoming deforestation regulation, set to be implemented in December 2024. The National President of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, warned that Nigeria’s $770 million cocoa industry could be at risk without urgent measures to address deforestation and traceability. The farmers have appealed to the EU Commission to postpone the regulation to December 2025 for better preparation. They highlighted ongoing efforts to promote deforestation-free cocoa production and the need for a regulatory framework to support the industry. Source: Punch

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The EU’s Deforestation Regulation, set to take effect in December 2024, poses significant challenges for Nigeria’s $770 million cocoa industry. Cocoa farmers, led by Comrade Adeola Adegoke, have urged the EU to postpone the regulation by one year to December 2025, citing the need for more time to address sustainability issues like deforestation and traceability. They advocate for ecosystem protection and sustainable practices but stress that immediate compliance may push farmers into poverty.