CÔTE D’IVOIRE- Côte d’Ivoire has launched steps towards sustainable practices in response to reducing the environmental impact of cocoa cultivation, in the country where the sector accounts for around 40% of cocoa revenue.
According to the Council of Ministers, the “National Coffee-Cocoa Traceability System aligns with efforts to improve the marketing flow management mechanism initiated by the Coffee-Cocoa Council (CCC) and to comply with forthcoming European Union (EU) regulations on deforestation-linked imports.
The newly unveiled system comprises two vital components: a comprehensive computer system for recording commercial transactions and a labelling system for coffee and cocoa bags.
These labels will enable the identification of the producer and the origin of the products, facilitating the tracking of their journey from the production area to the final consumer.
The system’s primary objectives include pinpointing the origin of coffee and cocoa products at every stage of the marketing process, ensuring that producers receive the guaranteed minimum farm-gate purchase price, securing financial transactions within the sector, and preserving product quality by enforcing minimum sustainability standards.
“More precisely, this system will make it possible to determine the origin of coffee and cocoa products at each level of the marketing, to enforce the guaranteed minimum farm-gate purchase price for producers, to secure financial transactions in the sector,” government officials said in a press release.
In addition, Côte d’Ivoire’s proactive approach to sustainable agriculture reflects its commitment to complying with the EU’s forthcoming law on imports of deforestation-linked products, set to take effect by the end of 2024.
The EU law mandates that importers of goods like coffee, cocoa, beef, soy, rubber, and palm oil provide a certified verification declaration demonstrating that their products do not contribute to deforestation. Failure to comply may result in fines.
For Côte d’Ivoire, the EU represents the primary destination for cocoa shipments and its derivative products, accounting for over 55% of shipments by value, according to data compiled on the Trade Map platform.
Meanwhile, the move towards a National Coffee-Cocoa Traceability System aims to align with international sustainability goals and to position Côte d’Ivoire as a responsible producer in the global market.
By ensuring transparency and adherence to sustainability standards, the country also aims to protect its vital cocoa sector while meeting international expectations for environmentally conscious production.
As the EU’s deforestation regulations loom, Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to sustainable cocoa production sets a positive example for the industry at large.
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