Cameroon initiates registration process for cocoa producers eligible for quality bonus
CAMEROON – Cameroon has commenced the registration process for cocoa producers eligible for a quality bonus, effective April 16.
The announcement, made by Minister of Commerce Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, outlines the initiative’s aim to incentivize and support cocoa producers amid evolving international market standards.
The quality bonus initiative responds to the growing demand for higher cocoa quality in global markets, providing vital support to producers navigating volatile markets and fluctuating prices.
Also, this quality bonus forms part of Cameroon’s decade-long endeavor to enhance bean quality, thereby averting significant discounts in international markets.
The registration process, although lacking a specified end date, encourages producers to engage with local branches of the Ministry of Commerce, the National Cocoa and Coffee Office (ONCC), as well as various prefectures and sub-prefectures.
Minister Atangana stressed the importance of understanding the requisite documentation for eligibility.
Initiated following the 2016-2017 campaign, the government, under President leadership, introduced the quality premium tied to Grade I cocoa marketing.
Since its inception, the premium distribution has witnessed steady growth – The initial disbursement for the 2017-2018 season exceeded CFA774 million, subsequently rising to CFA2 billion for the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 campaigns.
However, the total amount for the latest distribution round remains undisclosed.
Encouragingly, reports from the ONCC following the 2020-2021 cocoa campaign indicate Cameroon’s notable progress – the nation not only submitted the highest volume of beans for quality assessment but also achieved the highest percentage of Grade I beans in the last two decades.
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. HERE
