African cocoa farmers face possible exclusion from EU market, group warns

The Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa has expressed concern that up to 40% of African smallholder cocoa farmers could be excluded from the European market due to non-compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation. At the conclusion of the Africa Cocoa and Coffee Conference in Lagos, COCEFAAA's Global President, Adeola Adegoke, highlighted the potential challenges faced by these farmers, particularly those lacking the necessary resources for compliance.

The EUDR aims to prevent deforestation-linked commodities from entering the EU market, but its cost and complexity are causing concern among small-scale farmers. Adegoke called for increased technical and financial support to help these farmers meet compliance requirements while preserving their access to key export destinations.

The conference also addressed the emergence of cell-cultured cocoa technologies and their potential impact on traditional cocoa production. African cocoa and coffee producers are advocating for stronger integration in international trade policy formulation, with the adoption of the Lagos Declaration 2026 committing parties to action in eight key areas to improve farmers' livelihoods and strengthen African ownership of these industries.