Cocoa farmers in Ondo State have opposed a new forest-farming policy introduced by the state government, describing it as burdensome and unsustainable.

The policy, approved by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration, requires farmers in forest reserves to pay ₦250,000 per hectare ₦150,000 for mapping and ₦100,000 for agro-forestry with permits valid for only five years.

Farmers from the Idanre and Akure forest reserves say the charges are too high, especially with cocoa prices falling from about ₦14,000 to ₦6,000 per kilogram. They also accuse the government of favouring large investors with longer, cheaper leases while smallholders face higher costs and shorter permits.

In a petition to the governor, the farmers called for a review of the fees, an extension of permit duration to 50 years, and support for mapping expenses.

The government, however, says the policy aligns with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and aims to ensure sustainable forest management and compliance with global environmental standards.

Ondo State, Nigeria’s largest cocoa producer, could see production affected if the dispute remains unresolved, stakeholders warn. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.