ANAPROCI, the Largest Cocoa Farmers Union in Ivory Coast, Rejects EUDR in Letter to the EU

In a letter to Mr. Janusz Wojciechowski, the European Commissioner for Agriculture, the National Association of Cocoa and Coffee Producers of Ivory Coast (ANAPROCI) expressed strong objections to the upcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Representing 600,000 cocoa and coffee producers, President of the board of director, Mr. Kanga Koffi highlighted concerns about the law, which takes effect in January 2025 and aims to regulate tropical product imports and enforce anti-deforestation measures.

Key issues outlined include:

- Insufficient awareness and understanding among stakeholders.
- Significant administrative burdens.
- Complex technological requirements.
- High compliance costs.
- Risk of non-compliance for much of Côte d'Ivoire's cocoa production.
- Uncertainties in country risk classification.

Mr. Koffi warned of severe economic and social repercussions for Ivorian farmers, noting that 70% of their cocoa is exported to the EU. ANAPROCI advocates for a gradual approach, focusing on stakeholder awareness and environmental protection initiatives in partnership with producing communities. The letter requests that Commissioner Mr. Wojciechowski forward these concerns to Mr. Ursula Von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to environmental regulation.