𝗡𝗖𝗖𝗕 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗢𝗔/𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗕𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦
Cocoa and coffee farmers have been sensitized on the new requirements of cocoa and coffee marketing and export in recent times.
The message was echoed during a sensitization workshop (Day 1) that held on Thursday August 28, 2024 at U-compex in Limbe, the first of its kind, organised the Mevcuda AGRO-SYLVO PASTORAL EXHIBITION AND FARMERS SUPPORT SCHEME.
Speaking during the workshop, the General Manager of the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (NCCB) Mr. Michael NDOPING enlightened farmers on the new provisions of the text on buyer and exporter obligations and export modalities. He advised farmers to operate legally and enjoy the lucrative opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
The Government’s vision to diversify the Cocoa and Coffee trade is inspired by the huge loss in foreign exchange through clandestine cocoa trade to neighbouring Nigeria, and by the fast approaching deadline of the EU Regulations on deforestation slated for December 2024.
During the exchange, farmers raised concerns about their difficulties encountered and also helped enrich the fight against clandestine cocoa trade by highlighting new exit ports in the South West Region.
A broad-based sensitization meeting involving all farmers and operators shall take place in the weeks ahead in the South West Region.
Also characterizing the Capacity building workshop was the sensitization on PIG HEALTH: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AFRICAN SWINE FEVER AND ERYSIPELAS to livestock owners so they can better manage their animals.
Speaking to the National Coordinator of the MEVCUDA Project, HRH Ndiko Fonderson Henry, highlighted the fact that the Agro-sylvo Pastoral and farmer’s support scheme goes beyond gifting farming inputs to farmers, but the orgnising commitee thought it wise to bring in resource persons in the form of partners, sponsors and individuals who will answer some the questions inorder to help them manage their farms and business.
