Cocoa farmers and other stakeholders in three cocoa districts (Kade, Bibiani and Manso Amenfi) in Ghana have received training on the upcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), African Regional Standards (ARS) and Productivity Enhancement Programmes (PEPs). The EUDRR, which is likely to come into effect on 31st December 2025, mandates that commodities such as cocoa beans, coffee, cattle, oil palm, among others, entering the EU market must be traceable, legally sourced, and free from deforestation. Under this regulation, no cocoa beans produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020, can be exported to the EU.
EcoCare Ghana organised the training as part of Ghana Civil-Society Cocoa Platform’s Sustainability and Value Added in Agricultural Supply Chains Project, funded by GIZ.
The project aims to promote sustainable cocoa in Ghana by strengthening the capacity and influence of farmer organizations and civil society in support of the effective implementation of the new EU regulations on deforestation and human rights due diligence.
Miss Vassileva Allovor, EcoCare Ghana’s campaigner, at the training emphasized, “The EUDR is designed to ensure that cocoa production does not contribute to deforestation. It promotes traceability and legal compliance, which will help Ghana Cocobod to continue to access the European market while protecting forests.” She further highlighted that the African Regional Standards (ARS), being implemented by COCOBOD, complement the EUDR by strengthening cocoa cooperatives, improving traceability, and enhancing certification schemes.
The training also introduced farmers to best practices that can increase yield and income while ensuring sustainable cocoa production. Mr. Isaac Bentum, the facilitator of the PEPs session in Kade, advised farmers on essential agronomic practices: “Pruning your cocoa trees helps remove mistletoes, reduces competition among branches, and improves aeration, which enhances yield.”
Other recommended practices included mulching to retain soil moisture, pollination techniques to boost pod formation, effective weed control, and proper fertilizer application. These strategies are expected to improve farm productivity and resilience to climate change.
Farmers and cooperative leaders welcomed the training, acknowledging its importance in preparing them for new market regulations and sustainable practices. Ofosuhene Appenteng, Chairman of the Asuom Adansi Cooperative in the Kade Cocoa District, expressed gratitude: “EcoCare Ghana has empowered us to produce deforestation-free cocoa, ensuring that our livelihoods are secure in the international market.”
Madam Augustina Owusu from Manso Amenfi admitted that she was unaware of the impending EUDR regulations before the training. “We now understand how the EUDR will impact cocoa production and will pass on this knowledge to our cooperative members,” she said.
Madam Anastasia Anderson of Bibiani Women in Cocoa Cooperative highlighted the valuable insights on labor rights. “We now have a better understanding of child and forced labor issues. Our children will not be taken to the farm during school hours, and we will ensure fair wages for our laborers,” she affirmed.
With about eight months remaining before the EUDR is fully implemented, these training sessions are essential in complementing COCOBOD’s efforts to prepare farmers. Mr. Eugene Donkor, District CHED Officer of Manso Amenfi, noted, “This downstream training is timely. We hope that all cocoa farmers in Ghana receive similar support to ensure compliance and promote a sustainable cocoa industry.”
As Ghana continues to be a key player in the global cocoa market, the project enhances farmers’ ability to access information, complies with international standards, and is ready to transition into a more sustainable and resilient cocoa sector.
