Ivory Coast to Send Officials to Address Cocoa Farmer Payment Protests
The government of Ivory Coast plans to dispatch officials to key cocoa-producing areas in the country’s center-east in an effort to ease tensions among farmers who are still awaiting payment for cocoa sold during the recent harvest, according to sources cited by Reuters.
The issue centers on large quantities of unsold cocoa from the October-to-March main crop. As international cocoa prices declined sharply toward the end of last year, market prices fell below the farmgate price guaranteed by the Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC). In response, many exporters and buyers delayed purchases, leaving cooperatives and farmers with beans they had already delivered but not yet been paid for.
Growing frustration has led to demonstrations in several producing regions. Farmers say the delays have created severe financial strain, making it difficult to meet household expenses, repay debts, and cover medical costs. Some cooperatives also report significant stock deterioration as cocoa remains in storage for extended periods.
The CCC is expected to travel to affected regions after police used tear gas last week to disperse protesters who had blocked roads while demanding payment. Authorities have also launched a program to collect unsold cocoa, although producers say substantial volumes remain outstanding.
Industry participants warn that the prolonged delays could undermine next season’s production. Farmers typically rely on revenue from the main crop to finance maintenance of their plantations, including pruning, pest control, fertilizer applications, and labor costs. Without timely cash flow, many may reduce investment in their farms.
Several growers have already begun selling cocoa below the official farmgate price in order to obtain immediate liquidity. In some western regions, producers reported accepting around 1,500 CFA francs per kilogram, well below the state-set price of 2,200 CFA francs per kilogram.
Market observers note that the current disruption appears localized and has not yet affected global cocoa supply or prices. However, if the issue remains unresolved and farmers withhold cocoa or reduce maintenance spending, there is a risk of tighter production in the next crop year.
According to farmer advocacy groups, hundreds of thousands of tonnes of main crop cocoa may still be unsold, despite government efforts to reduce inventories and facilitate purchases.
Source: Reuters.
