COCEFAAA: 40% African Cocoa Exclusion Feared Under EU Deforestation Regulation

• The Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA) warns that up to 40% of African smallholder cocoa farmers could be excluded from the EU market.
• This exclusion risk is due to difficulties in meeting the EU Deforestation Regulation's (EUDR) traceability and compliance requirements.
• Adeola Adegoke, COCEFAAA Global President, highlighted these concerns at the Africa Cocoa and Coffee Conference in Lagos.
• The conference also addressed the potential negative impact of cell-cultured cocoa technology on traditional cocoa demand and farmer livelihoods.
• Participants adopted the Lagos Declaration 2026, aiming to improve farmer livelihoods, boost productivity, and increase African ownership in the cocoa and coffee sectors.

The Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA) has issued a stark warning that as many as 40 percent of African smallholder cocoa farmers face potential exclusion from the European market.

The Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA) has issued a stark warning that as many as 40 percent of African smallholder cocoa farmers face potential exclusion from the European market. This significant threat stems directly from their anticipated inability to meet the stringent compliance requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), highlighting a critical challenge for African cocoa market access.

Adeola Adegoke, the Global President of COCEFAAA, articulated these concerns at the conclusion of the two-day Africa Cocoa and Coffee Conference held in Lagos. During the event, stakeholders collectively advocated for a more robust African presence in the formulation of international trade policies that directly impact the continent's vital cocoa and coffee industries. Adegoke later reiterated these points in a public statement, emphasizing the profound difficulties the EUDR could impose on smallholder farmers, particularly those who lack the necessary financial resources, technological infrastructure, and robust documentation systems required to satisfy the regulation's traceability standards.

The EU Deforestation Regulation is specifically designed to ensure that commodities imported into the European Union are not linked to deforestation. However, its implementation has raised considerable concerns regarding the cost and inherent complexity of compliance, especially for the numerous small-scale farmers across Africa who may struggle to provide the detailed information needed to demonstrate adherence to the new rules. This regulatory framework presents substantial EUDR compliance challenges for Africa's agricultural sector.

In response to these potential disruptions, Adegoke underscored the urgent need for African cocoa and coffee-producing nations to fortify their negotiating positions on the global stage. He also called for a concerted effort to enhance existing traceability systems, thereby safeguarding farmers from adverse impacts on international trade. Furthermore, Adegoke advocated for the provision of adequate technical and financial support to smallholder farmers, enabling them to adapt to evolving market requirements without losing crucial access to key export destinations.

Beyond the immediate EUDR compliance issues, the conference also addressed the emerging threat posed by cell-cultured cocoa technologies and their potential implications for traditional cocoa-producing communities. Adegoke expressed apprehension that increased investment in these alternative production methods could diminish demand for conventionally grown cocoa, introducing additional uncertainty for countless farmers whose livelihoods are intrinsically tied to this crop. He urged African countries to proactively assess the economic and social ramifications of these technological advancements and to devise strategic measures to protect the interests of cocoa farmers and their communities.

The gathering also emphasized the imperative for stronger cooperation among African cocoa and coffee-producing countries. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the continent gains a more influential voice in shaping international trade policies and standards. Participants formally adopted the Lagos Declaration 2026, a comprehensive statement of shared commitments designed to improve farmers' livelihoods, boost productivity, and expand African ownership within the cocoa and coffee industries. With over 200 delegates representing diverse sectors, Adegoke concluded by noting that while Africa possesses the expertise and solutions to transform these industries, it currently lacks effective mechanisms to scale them across the continent.

Lawyers advising agricultural commodity exporters to the EU, particularly cocoa and coffee, must assess client compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation's traceability standards to mitigate market exclusion risks. Compliance officers should monitor EUDR implementation and potential policy shifts arising from African stakeholder advocacy.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers