Home News EU Rolls Out Measures to Curb Climate Impact on Cocoa Sector, Protect Environment 

EU Rolls Out Measures to Curb Climate Impact on Cocoa Sector, Protect Environment 

by AgroNigeria

The European Union (EU) is rolling out a strategic plan to promote environmental protection and climate action across Nigeria’s cocoa sector, anticipating rigorous new standards under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). 

Announced by Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation for the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, this initiative aims to support Nigeria’s cocoa industry in preparing for EUDR compliance.

Speaking in Abuja during a stakeholder workshop, De Luca detailed the EUDR’s scope, which took effect on June 29, 2023. 

The regulation restricts products linked to global deforestation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions, while also protecting human and indigenous rights. Covering commodities like cocoa, palm oil, soy, cattle, coffee, rubber, timber, and their derivatives, the EUDR poses a substantial impact on Nigeria’s cocoa sector, which exports 67% of its yield to the EU. 

“In cocoa farming, deforestation often occurs as large areas are cleared. Through the EUDR, we aim to support local farmers with practices that protect forests while boosting productivity,” De Luca explained.

The workshop introduced another EU directive, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), a regulatory measure pushing companies to minimize environmental and social harm across their supply chains. 

De Luca emphasized, “Companies must address environmental risks and social issues, such as water usage and child labor, while meeting both local and international standards.”

Representing Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Deputy Director of Cocoa and National Cocoa Management Committee (NCMC) member Ajayi Olutobaba highlighted the ministry’s commitment to EUDR compliance. 

He emphasized the role of due diligence in securing deforestation-free value chains, mentioning the recent formation of a National Taskforce on EUDR to coordinate a nationwide response.

Javier Sánchez, Head of the EU-commissioned study assessing Nigeria’s readiness, acknowledged potential initial challenges but noted the long-term gains of EUDR compliance. 

“The EUDR presents an opportunity for Nigeria to foster environmental resilience, build stronger value chains, and elevate regulatory compliance,” Sánchez remarked. 

He also underscored the role of the private sector, especially EU importers, in enforcing EUDR standards, cautioning that non-compliance could lead to sanctions. Sánchez explained that businesses would require greater transparency from cooperatives and intermediaries to verify the origin of products.

As the EU strengthens its deforestation policies, Nigeria’s cocoa sector stands to benefit from EU-backed resources and capacity-building to adapt to these global standards.

You may also like

Leave a Comment

AgroNigeria

AgroNigeria is a pioneer brand for agricultural “online” news publishing through its media publishing platform available 24hrs to over 30 Million internet users within Nigeria and other online readers internationally.

© 2024 AgroNigeria. All rights reserved. Developed by Godswill

Newsletter sign up!

 Sign up to receive our daily newsletter.