COCEFAAA warns of EU market exclusion for cocoa farmers

The Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA) has raised concerns that up to 40% of African smallholder cocoa farmers could be excluded from the European market due to their inability to meet compliance requirements under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Global President Adeola Adegoke expressed these concerns at the conclusion of the two-day Africa Cocoa and Coffee Conference held in Lagos.

Adegoke highlighted that the EUDR aims to prevent commodities linked to deforestation from entering the EU market, but the cost and complexity of compliance pose significant challenges for smallholder farmers lacking financial resources and adequate documentation systems. He emphasized the need for African cocoa and coffee-producing countries to enhance their negotiating power and improve traceability systems.

Additionally, the conference discussed the implications of emerging cell-cultured cocoa technologies on traditional cocoa producers. Participants adopted the Lagos Declaration 2026, committing to improve farmers' livelihoods and expand African ownership in the cocoa and coffee sectors.