The Ondo State Government has assured that none of its cocoa plantations will be lost to the European Union (EU) deforestation ban, as it intensifies efforts to align with global traceability and sustainability standards.
Speaking in Akure, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Olaleye Akinola, said the government has embarked on a large-scale afforestation programme aimed at restoring degraded lands and maintaining the state’s status as Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer.
According to him, the state has established nurseries across various localities to raise seedlings for the planting of 10 million trees in deforested areas.
He noted that farmers have been mandated to plant and nurture trees alongside their cocoa as part of the reforestation initiative.
“We will not lose any cocoa plantation to the EU timeline. Our goal is to complete the mapping of all cocoa farms outside deforested areas before the December deadline,” Akinola said. “This initiative is not about punishment—it’s about protecting the future of our farmers and ensuring compliance with global sustainability standards.”
He explained that only cocoa farmers with traceable farms will be eligible to sell their produce from December 2025, in line with the EU’s forest traceability policy.
The policy, which was introduced in 2020 and extended to take full effect in 2025, requires all cocoa, cashew, and rubber farms to be properly mapped and registered to guarantee they are deforestation-free.
Akinola added that farmers would receive free tree seedlings from the state government but would be closely monitored to ensure compliance.
He emphasized that the government remains committed to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
“We cannot continue to lose our forest cover while expecting to sell to international buyers who now demand proof of deforestation-free products,” he stated. “This administration is determined to secure our forests, protect our climate, and sustain livelihoods for generations to come.”
The commissioner further clarified that the N250,000 levy charged per hectare in the state’s forest reserves is to cover the costs of mapping and agro-forestry operations, with N150,000 earmarked for polygon mapping and N100,000 for agro-forest management.
He urged farmers to disregard incitements from individuals discouraging them from paying the levy, warning that any farmer who defaults risks losing their farm to the government.
Akinola reaffirmed that Ondo State will continue to lead Nigeria’s cocoa industry through sustainable practices that meet global market requirements.
