Cameroon is taking significant steps to ensure its cocoa industry complies with upcoming European Union regulations aimed at preventing deforestation. On Wednesday, Cameroon’s cocoa and coffee association signed agreements with six major cocoa exporters. This initiative is set to launch a platform that will provide precise location data for cocoa plantations. The move is in response to a new EU regulation, which will require all cocoa products sold in the EU market to be sourced from land that has not been deforested or degraded after December 31, 2020.
The European Union is Cameroon’s largest market for cocoa exports, receiving about 80% of the country’s total cocoa bean shipments. During the 2023/2024 farming season, Cameroon exported approximately 185,613 metric tons of cocoa beans to the EU, according to the National Cocoa and Coffee Board. With the new regulation coming into effect at the end of this year, the need for compliance is more pressing than ever. The regulation is part of a broader international effort to combat climate change and protect global forests, aligning with existing commitments to sustainable production.
To comply with these new rules, Cameroon’s Cocoa and Coffee Interprofessional Council will manage a traceability platform. This platform will enable EU buyers to request the coordinates of cocoa plantations directly from the data holders. The data will be shared anonymously, ensuring that the privacy of farmers is respected. This move is seen as a proactive step by Cameroon to align with international standards and demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices. Many cocoa farms in Cameroon have already been georeferenced by industry operators, making the transition smoother.
Jean-Marc Chataigner, the EU ambassador to Cameroon, praised the initiative. He emphasized that this step is not just about meeting EU requirements but also about showcasing the quality of Cameroonian cocoa. “This is an excellent initiative of the private sector, with the involvement of the government,” Chataigner said. “It’s not only about respecting EU rules but to show that the product is the best in the world.” He also noted that the EU has yet to become directly involved in the implementation process but supports the move towards greater transparency and sustainability.
Narcisse Olinga, Cameroon’s deputy director in charge of external trade, expressed optimism about the country’s readiness to meet the EU’s traceability requirements. He stated that 260,000 metric tons, or roughly 80% of Cameroon’s cocoa output, already comply with the EU’s new rules. “We are very optimistic that we shall hit 100% by the time the regulation becomes applicable,” Olinga said. This confidence is based on the progress made so far and the ongoing efforts to georeference more plantations.
The platform will provide EU buyers with access to the precise location data of cocoa farms. This will allow them to verify that the cocoa they purchase meets the new standards. The system is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, enabling swift and anonymous data queries. By leveraging technology, Cameroon aims to enhance its reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality, sustainably produced cocoa. This move is also expected to encourage other cocoa-producing countries to adopt similar measures, fostering a global shift towards more sustainable practices in the industry.
Kate Fotso, CEO of Telcar Cocoa, a joint venture with Cargill, highlighted the importance of adhering to these regulations. She stressed that following the rules is crucial for protecting the interests of buyers, small exporters, and the nation as a whole. Fotso’s company is one of the six exporters that have signed up to use the new platform. The others include Ofi Cam, a subsidiary of Olam International, Neo Industry, Atlantic Cocoa Corporation, Sic-Cacaos, and FODECC, the country’s Cocoa and Coffee Subsectors Development Fund.
