A national information campaign for cocoa and coffee producers in Cameroon's Centre region has ended. The campaign, launched on October 19, 2026, covered nine of the region's ten departments. It aimed to educate producers on the European Union's Regulation on Deforestation and Forest Degradation (RDUE) and good agricultural practices (BPA). The regulation, adopted in May 2023, will come into effect on December 30, 2026.
The RDUE regulation prohibits deforestation for cocoa cultivation and emphasizes product traceability and equality. To ensure producers understand these new requirements, the Interprofessional Cocoa and Coffee Council (CICC) and the Project to Support Cocoa Development (PAD-Cacao) organized the campaign. The campaign reached out to leaders of major production basins, covering topics such as new EU market access conditions.
Producers were informed about the need for traceability, geolocation of plots, and demonstration that commercialized products come from lands that meet EU deforestation criteria. They were also taught good agricultural practices, including pruning, densification, and regeneration. The goal is to help producers adapt to the new EU regulations and maintain access to the European market.
The campaign's closing event took place in Obala, in the Lékié department. The CICC and PAD-Cacao worked together to sensitize producers to the changing requirements. This effort aims to ensure that Cameroon's cocoa and coffee producers can continue exporting to the EU while adhering to the new regulations.
The EU's RDUE regulation is a significant step towards reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable agriculture. By implementing this regulation, the EU aims to minimize the environmental impact of cocoa and coffee production. Cameroon's producers must comply with these new standards to maintain their market access.
The CICC and PAD-Cacao will continue to support producers in implementing the required practices. This includes providing training and resources to help them adapt to the new regulations. By working together, Cameroon’s cocoa and coffee producers can ensure a sustainable future for their industry.
The success of this campaign will be crucial in determining Cameroon's ability to comply with the EU's deforestation regulation. The country's cocoa and coffee producers must demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices and environmental protection. The stakes are high, but with the right support and resources, they can meet the new EU standards.
Key points
- The European Union's deforestation regulation will come into effect on December 30, 2026.
- The regulation prohibits deforestation for cocoa cultivation and emphasizes product traceability and equality.
- The campaign covered nine departments in Cameroon's Centre region, reaching out to leaders of major production basins.
