COPAL COCOA Info - Alliance of Cocoa Producing …. 540.doc · Web viewCOPAL COCOA Info A Weekly...

INSIDE THIS ISSE: ICCO DAILY COCOA PRICES LONDON (LIFFE) FUTURES

MARKET UPDATE NEW YORK (ICE) FUTURES

MARKET UPDATE FROM THE NEWS MEDIA

COPAL COCOACOPAL COCOA InfoInfo A Weekly Newsletter of the Alliance of Cocoa Producing Countries

Health and Nutrition Cocoa, a weapon against heart problems caused by

bad diet

Production and Quality ‘Cocoa production in India likely to double by

2025’ Signs of growth for Sierra Leonean cocoa

The Market

Processing and Manufacturing 1Q European Cocoa Grind falls 3.9% on Year –

ECA

Business & Economy Cadbury wants Solomon Islands Cocoa

Labour Issues

Environmental IssueResearch & Development African: Cocoa farmers in trouble Minister explores cocoa potential Ghana's cocoa will not be rejected by EU –

COCOBOD Africa’s Cocoa Producers to cooperate in

fighting Cocoa Pests and Diseases

Promotion & Consumption

Others Workshop on managing cocoa pests and

Do your health a favour, drink Cocoa everyday

‘It’s nature’s miracle food’UP-COMING EVENTSUP-COMING EVENTS IN THISIN THIS

Issue No. 540 15th – 19th April 2013

pathogens in Africa opens Cocoa merchants kick against multiple taxation

in Ondo

In the News (from Newspapers worldwide)

ICCO Daily Cocoa PricesICCO Daily Price

(SDR/tonne)ICCO Daily Price

($US/tonne)London futures

(£/tonne)New York futures

($US/tonne)

15th April 1522.27 2294.39 1513.00 2273.67

16th April 1550.05 2337.29 1538.67 2320.33

17th April 1549.48 2337.45 1547.00 2317.67

18th April 1556.85 2342.59 1545.67 2325.33

19th April 1565.81 2358.09 1557.67 2343.00

Average 1549.00 2334.00 1540.00 2316.00

COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684

Email: [email protected] Website: www.copal-cpa.org2

mailto:[email protected]

International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE)London Futures Market – Summary of Trading Activities

(£ per tone)

Monday 15th April 2013 Month Opening Trans Settle Change High Low Volume

May 2013 1504 1504 0 1509S 1497 6,296Jul 2013 1504 1505 1 1510 1497 5,834

Sep 2013 1513 1515 1 1518 1507S 2,195Dec 2013 1519 1519 -1 1524S 1511 1,593Mar 2014 1525 1521 0 1525 1513S 1,147May 2014 1526 1527 1 1528S 1525S 47Jul 2014 1525 1532 0 1533S 1525S 38

Sep 2014 1536 1538 1 1539S 1536 3Dec 2014 1536 -1 0Mar 2015 1537 -1 0

Average/Totals 1523 17,153

Tuesday 16th April 2013 Month Opening Trans Settle Change High Low Volume

May 2013 1504 1534 30 1540S 1500S 11,698Jul 2013 1505 1533 28 1539 1502 14,357

Sep 2013 1515 1540 25 1546S 1512 5,318Dec 2013 1519 1543 24 1548 1515S 2,930Mar 2014 1521 1545 24 1550S 1520 4,773May 2014 1518 1551 24 1554S 1518 123Jul 2014 1553 1556 24 1555S 1550S 50

Sep 2014 1547 1562 24 1561 1547 22Dec 2014 1553 1556 20 1553S 1553S 1Mar 2015 1557 20 0


Wednesday 17th April 2013 Month Opening Trans Settle Change High Low Volume

May 2013 1535 1545 11 1556 1534 6,960Jul 2013 1533 1543 10 1556S 1532S 12,810

Sep 2013 1540 1548 8 1561S 1538S 4,317Dec 2013 1544 1550 7 1560S 1539S 3,512Mar 2014 1548 1554 9 1564 1541S 3,177May 2014 1551 1559 8 1565 1548S 159Jul 2014 1560 1564 8 1560S 1560S 7

Sep 2014 1566 1570 8 1566S 1566S 7Dec 2014 1564 8 0Mar 2015 1565 8 0


ALLIANCE OF COCOA PRODUCING COUNTRIES, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234-70-9814-1735; +234-70-

9814-1736; FAX: +234-1-290-4262 Email: [email protected] Website: www.copal-cpa.org

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http://www.nybot.com/reports/dmrs/etsDMRs/dmrFutures.asp?dmrMonth=04&dmrDay=11&dmrYear=2007&commodityID=1&commodityType=future

http://www.copal-cpa.org/







Thursday 18th April 2013 Month Opening Trans Settle Change High Low Volume

May 2013 1540 1546 1 1554 1538S 2,640Jul 2013 1538 1543 0 1552 1536 9,270

Sep 2013 1543 1546 -2 1556S 1537 3,676Dec 2013 1545 1548 -2 1557S 1537 2,903Mar 2014 1548 1551 -3 1558S 1541S 4,394May 2014 1562 1555 -4 1562S 1547S 469Jul 2014 1566 1560 -4 1566S 1553S 224

Sep 2014 1569 1565 -5 1573S 1563 71Dec 2014 1560 -4 0Mar 2015 1561 -4 0


Friday 19th April 2013 Month Opening Trans Settle Change High Low Volume

May 2013 1560 1558 12 1560 1546 3,511Jul 2013 1556 1555 12 1558 1543 8,608

Sep 2013 1557 1559 13 1562 1546S 3,652Dec 2013 1558 1559 11 1562S 1547S 2,624Mar 2014 1559 1560 9 1562S 1548S 2,461May 2014 1563 1565 10 1566S 1554 209Jul 2014 1567 1570 10 1570S 1566S 94

Sep 2014 1573 1575 10 1574S 1573S 32Dec 2014 1570 10 0Mar 2015 1571 10 0


Average for the week 1564 3853 3853



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New York Board of Trade(New York Futures Market – Summary of Trading Activities)

(US$ per tone)

Monday 15th April 2013 Month Opening Trans Settle Change High Low Volume

May 2013 2255 2243 -18 2272 2234 9,256Jul 2013 2268 2267 -1 2275 2254 16,379

Sep 2013 2280 2277 0 2281 2264 3,298Dec 2013 2290 2287 -1 2291 2274 1,320Mar 2014 2294 2292 -2 2294 2282 418May 2014 2299 2299 -2 2301 2294 38Jul 2014 2309 2306 -6 2311 2302 30

Sep 2014 2319 2315 -5 2323 2316 6Dec 2014 0 2327 -4 0 0 0Mar 2015 0 2337 -3 0 0 0


Tuesday 16th April 2013 Month Opening Trans Settle Change High Low Volume

May 2013 2243 2294 51 2300 2232 3,407Jul 2013 2265 2316 49 2318 2257 22,216

Sep 2013 2271 2323 46 2326 2267 4,901Dec 2013 2283 2328 41 2330 2278 3,541Mar 2014 2293 2330 38 2330 2287 2,072May 2014 2301 2337 38 2337 2301 82Jul 2014 2325 2345 39 2345 2325 61

Sep 2014 2327 2352 37 2352 2326 22Dec 2014 0 2364 37 0 0 0Mar 2015 0 2374 37 0 0 0


Wednesday 17th April 2013 Month Opening Trans Settle Change High Low Volume

May 2013 2294 2299 5 2320 2279 662Jul 2013 2316 2317 1 2337 2299 17,332

Sep 2013 2317 2325 2 2343 2307 3,850Dec 2013 2321 2329 1 2345 2314 2,372Mar 2014 2323 2331 1 2348 2316 2,485May 2014 2333 2338 1 2351 2333 145Jul 2014 0 2344 -1 0 0 0

Sep 2014 0 2351 -1 0 0 0Dec 2014 0 2363 -1 0 0 0Mar 2015 0 2373 -1 0 0 0


Thursday 18th April 2013



5









Month Opening Trans Settle Change High Low VolumeMay 2013 2312 2310 11 2319 2312 96Jul 2013 2310 2319 2 2334 2294 12,914


Sep 2014 2352 2353 2 2366 2350 66Dec 2014 0 2364 1 0 0 0Mar 2015 0 2374 1 0 0 0


Friday 19th April 2013 Month Opening Trans Settle Change High Low Volume

May 2013 2319 2319 9 2331 2319 17Jul 2013 2336 2333 14 2348 2322 11,714


Sep 2014 2367 2368 15 2367 2367 6Dec 2014 0 2379 15 0 0 0Mar 2015 0 2389 15 0 0 0


Average for the week 2354 3769 3769



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News

Cocoa, a weapon against heart problems caused by bad dietNigerian TribuneBy Sade Oguntola18 April 2013 Scientists at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State have suggested that daily consumption of a diet rich in cocoa may help to ward of heart problems that may arise from, the intake of food items rich in fat.

The research, published in the 2102 edition of the African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, which examined the impact of a cocoa extract on a diet rich in fat, indicated that this could help in lowering the blood’s cholesterol level in healthy individuals.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. The body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But too much of it in the blood can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of the arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow arteries or even block them.

LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called “bad” cholesterol, because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, while HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is called the “good cholesterol” because HDL cholesterol particles prevent hardening and narrowing of blood vessel that supply the heart by extracting cholesterol from blood vessel walls and disposing of them through the liver.

High levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol are risk factors for atherosclerosis. Research has shown that lowering LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.

Factors that affect blood cholesterol levels include diet, body weight, exercise, age gender, diabetes, heredity, and other causes including underlying medical conditions.

Research has also demonstrated that antioxidants in natural products such as vegetables, fruits, soya products, black or green teas, cocoa and chocolate, can lower heart disease and cancer affecting millions of people.

Cocoa is a rich source of dietary flavanoids. It is the non-fat component of cocoa liquor (finely ground cocoa beans) which is used in chocolate making or as cocoa powder (commonly 12 per cent fat) for cooking and drinks. Cocoa liquor contains approximately 55 per cent cocoa butter and together this comprises cocoa solids, often referred to as chocolate packaging. However, it is different from chocolate, which is a combination of cocoa, cocoa butter, sugar, etc. made into a solid food product.

In the study carried out in animals, the researchers found that daily consumption of cocoa extract in the animals caused a decrease in total body cholesterol by 19 per cent and LDL cholesterol by 22 per cent. In turn, there was an increase in HDL cholesterol by 286 per cent.

The researchers declared that the results of the study indicated that daily intake of cocoa could also help to treat negative effects of high fat diet on important organs of the body such as the heart.

In the study, which involved S.O Nwichi; E.K Adewole; A.O Dada; O. Ogidiama; O.E Mokobia and EO Farombi, they wrote: “Cocoa extract ameliorated the cholesterol-induced enlargement of the liver and heart by 14 per cent and 15 per cent respectively.”



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NEWS

Health and Nutrition



According to the researchers, inclusion of cocoa extract would help to increase the level of good cholesterol by preventing the absorption of fat in the intestine.

In addition, there was no detrimental effect on the functioning of the organs involved with the administration of cocoa powder.

However, they said the exact mechanism by which the good cholesterol level was increased still needed to be deduced.

‘Cocoa production in India likely to double by 2025’Hindu Business Line-Apr 15, 2013Cocoa production in the country is expected to double to 30,000 tonnes by 2025, a top official of Directorate of Cashewnut and Cocoa Development Board (DCCD) said today.

At present, the country is producing only 15,600 tonnes against the demand of 45,000 tonnes from the ever-growing chocolate industry, requiring large-scale imports, DCCD Director Venkatesh Hobbali told reporters.

Speaking on the sidelines of a national seminar on ‘Cocoa Development in India—Issues and Strategies’ here, he said the country imported cocoa worth Rs 804 crore in the last fiscal.

He added that the domestic production, mainly concentrated in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka, is expected to touch 30,000 tonnes by 2025.

Though Kerala was cultivating cocoa in smaller area, it contributed a major share of 7,000 tonnes and Tamil Nadu’ s share was 1,500 tonnes, Venkatesh said.

Earlier, inaugurating the seminar, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor K Ramasamy asked the scientists to be equipped to know the minute details, before introducing or suggesting any seedlings or seeds to the farmers.

Enhancing quality, yield and productivity, would be beneficial for the end-users, in this case chocolate industry, but the scientists, who stood for farmers, should take care the interests of 65 per cent of the population depending on agriculture, Ramasamy said.

Ramasamy has asked the Directorate to sanction a Centre of Excellence for Cocoa to TNAU, which can serve as a model farm for the farmers to visit and undergo hands on training on different aspects of cocoa cultivation.

Keywords: Cocoa production, Cashewnut and Cocoa Development Board

Signs of growth for Sierra Leonean cocoaAgraNet (subscription)April 17 2013SIERRA Leone's cocoa sector has seen strong investment over recent months, as the country aims to prosper from rising demand for the commodity.

Tropical Farms Limited (TFL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Agriterra, has accelerated development initiatives already under way in the country by acquiring a 1,200-hectare plantation - which previously produced both cocoa and coffee - in the south-east of the country to facilitate commercial "large scale cocoa production".



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Production & Quality

The Market



1Q European Cocoa Grind falls 3.9% on Year –ECANASDAQBy Neena Rai at [email protected] 17, 2013, Europe's first quarter cocoa grindings fell 3.9% from the same period a year earlier to 339,377 tons, figures from the Brussels-based European Cocoa Association showed Wednesday.

The continent's grindings data--which measure the amount of cocoa processed--are used as a proxy for chocolate demand.

For the full year, European cocoa grinds fell 1% to 1.276 million tons.

ECA members account for two-thirds of European cocoa bean grindings, half of Europe's industrial chocolate production, as well as 40% of the global production of cocoa liquor, butter and powder.

ECA grinding members include ADM Cocoa, a unit of Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM); Barry Callebaut AG (BARN.EB); Delfi Cocoa Europe, a division of Petra Foods Ltd. (P34.SG); ECOM/Dutch Cocoa; Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate; and Nederland SA.

Bean processors include Cioccolato Peyrano, Euromar, Ferrero SPA, Nestle SA (NSRGY, NESN.VX), Mondelez International Inc. ( MDLZ ) and Toms.

Cadbury wants Solomon Islands CocoaSolomon Times Online-Apr 16, 2013One of the world’s largest chocolate producers, Kraft-Cadbury, is seeking 10,000 tonnes of cocoa from Solomon Islands.

In March, company officials met with cocoa producers, stakeholders and the government to outline its plans for the region.

A spokesperson for Kraft-Cadbury, Alastair Furnival, says the chocolate maker doesn’t have enough cocoa to meet its production needs and is looking around the world for new sources, including the Pacific.

However, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Solomon Islands only managed to export 5 thousand tonnes of cocoa last year.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Frank Wickham, says the country has 30 million cocoa trees, but only a quarter of them are productive.

But he says with new genetic material the Solomon’s could double output by 2020.

Most of today’s cocoa trees were planted around a decade ago as part of donor-funded projects to supplement farmers’ incomes and combat deforestation. There are concerns that with the ageing of the cocoa trees, quality could decline.

Research Scientist at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), Dr. Alfred Arthur, warns that despite such interest it is important that the Solomon Islands do not venture into unproved agro-chemicals or genetic variations, stating that such practices could endanger the quality and standard of cocoa.



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Business & Economy

Processing & Manufacturing



He says the experience of Ghana, one of the World’s leading cocoa producer, shows that this could lead to adverse outcomes. He says it is important to invest in research and ensure that such research informs whatever policy government decides to follow.

Experts say that the tough market conditions are forcing companies to push aggressively into emerging markets.

African: Cocoa farmers in troubleMyjoyonline.comApril 16, 2013

New European regulations on cadmium in cocoa beans have increase the burden on African producers including Ghana, who say livelihoods will be lost unless they are given time to adapt.

Cocoa farmers across West Africa are worried for their livelihoods after the European Union (EU) announced plans to reject the import of cocoa beans containing certain levels of heavy metals. The measures are due to take effect

by the end of April this year.

West Africa grows 75 percent of the world's 3.9 metric tons (tn) global supply of cocoa, with the bulk of the beans ending up in Europe. The EU move follows a January 2012 report into cadmium content in chocolate by the European Food Safety Authority Scientific Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain. It has recommended that cocoa imports containing more than 0.2mg/kg of cadmium be turned back.

"Of course, this is very unpleasant news. And the worst thing is that many of us are ignorant of cadmium and how to prevent it contaminating our plants," explains Alfred Effeti, a plantation owner in Muyuka in southwest Cameroon, the country's leading production hub.

Health Dangers

Cadmium is a bluish-white metal used in the production of fertilisers, pesticides, batteries, plastics, glass and steel plating. Upon release into the environment, cadmium accumulates in the soil and water. Medical research has established that besides causing cancer, it provokes kidney failure, high blood pressure and bone and reproduction complications.

"The final consumers in Europe, America, Asia and even Africa are increasingly very sensitive about quality and safety these days," says Michael Ndoping, managing director of Cameroon's National Cocoa and Coffee Board, adding that, the decision may be hasty, but will ultimately push us to grow top-quality cocoa.

"Cadmium is a real concern. When we were informed, we conducted a quick survey, collecting cocoa beans and soil samples from some growing regions of Cameroon," Ndoping explains.

He continued: "Preliminary tests show we are below the limits being fixed by the EU regulations, but that doesn't mean we're free. Further tests are needed to be certain."



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Labour Issues

Environmental Issues

Research & Development



West Africa's small-scale farmers have quality problems because some dry cocoa beans on tarmac roads or in smoky ovens, while others use improper fermentation techniques.In December 2012, Cameroon's Association Nationale des Producteurs de Cacao et de Café reported that a 2,000tn consignment of cocoa was turned back by European ports owing to quality shortfalls. Sanitary inspectors found the beans had a smoky smell and contained high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – also banned by the EU under new regulations introduced on 1 January.

Cameroonian authorities are cracking down on sub-standard processing practices, confiscating beans dried on tarred roads and organising cadmium-awareness workshops. There are also plans to construct and rehabilitate drying ovens in the south-west.

Elsewhere in West Africa, producing countries are demanding a five-year delay to the EU measures to enable them to adjust and protect the livelihoods of an estimated 100,000 farmers. In September, the EU announced it would study the moratorium request. According to Malachy Akoroda, director of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Europe is partly to blame.

“The climate change they've caused is affecting the quality of our cocoa. Now they're talking about cadmium. Who brings cadmium? Is it in the chemicals they bring for us to spray? Does the European buyer care about our efforts to correct the flaws? They say they want this quality, they want that quality. At what price? Better quality commands better price," he asks.

Under Pressure

Buyers say West Africa's cocoa farmers have compromised on quality to rush for alluring prices. "It's a serious problem," says Ed Seguine, a chocolate research fellow at Mars Chocolate.

"Farmers have been put under pressure both economically and environmentally. With the ageing of the cocoa trees, quality has declined. Rejection rates for African cocoa are at an all-time high in Europe and the US."

Officials from the Alliance of Cocoa Producing Countries say they are banking on ongoing research to fight soil degradation, programmes to replace ageing plants with improved varieties and campaigns to educate farmers on best practice.

Minister explores cocoa potentialFiji TimesApril 17, 2013

Minister for Agriculture Lieutenant Colonel Inia Seruiratu says Fiji could gain from PNG's cocoa research institute. Picture: GARDEN OF

FIJI cocoa and palm oil carry a lot of potential in terms of trade with Papua New Guinea and the development of agriculture.

Minister for Agriculture Lieutenant Colonel Inia Seruiratu said the trade mission to PNG this week was an opportunity to explore and develop potential products in the agriculture sector.

"We had some discussions with the PNG government last year when we had the Prime Minister visiting PNG during the ACP talks. We had some interests we needed to pursue.

"After that initial meeting last November, PNG sent a team to Fiji last year. We also had the Asia Pacific coconut community meeting and we have progressed.

"We are looking at areas where we can co-operate particularly with crops that we share in common like cocoa."

He said PNG had a cocoa research institute that Fiji could gain from.



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Ghana's cocoa will not be rejected by EU - COCOBODCitifmonlineBy: Vivian Kai Mensah/citifmonline.com/GhanaApr 18, 2013

Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has allayed fears that Ghana’s cocoa may be rejected by the European Union (EU) following new regulations to be introduced by the union by the end of this month.

The EU has announced plans to reject the import of cocoa beans containing certain levels of heavy metals especially cadmium.

The EU’s move follows a January 2012 report into cadmium content in chocolate by the European Food Safety Authority Scientific Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain.

The authority recommended that cocoa imports containing more than 0.2mg/kg of cadmium be turned back.

Cadmium a bluish-white metal which is used in the production of fertilizers and pesticides among others according to medical research causes cancer and provokes kidney failure among others.

COCOBOD’s spokesperson, Noah Amenyah however told Citi Business News, Ghana’s exports are not likely to be affected by the new regulation. “It is true that the EU is very particular about heavy metal like cadmium. Ghana cocoa does not contain heavy metal it is something we critically analyze from time to time. Cadmium in particular is found in soil and can be introduced as a result of volcanic soil or fertilizer application and if it’s made with cadmium it can affect us.”

He further explained that “Ghana’s soil for cocoa does not contain cadmium at alarming levels and we have not received any notice from EU on this matter.”

Africa’s Cocoa Producers to cooperate in fighting Cocoa Pests and Diseasesspyghana.comBy St. KyoobiApr 20th, 2013

A four-day regional workshop on Integrated Management of Cocoa Pests and Pathogens in Africa has ended in Accra with participants pledging their commitment to controlling indigenous pests and diseases and preventing the introduction of exogenous ones.

The workshop, held under the theme “Exploring opportunities for advancing the scientific, technological and socio-economic frontiers for cocoa

production and productivity in Africa”, was attended by experts from Cote d’ Voire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Togo, Equador and Indonesia .

Among the key highlights of the workshop was the raising of awareness of the incidence, severity and damage caused by indigenous pests and diseases and the threat of the introduction of exogenous pests and pathogens from other cocoa producing countries into Africa.

The workshop was also used to officially launch the start of a project implementation in the five participating countries and to agree on implementation procedures, protocols for assessing cocoa production losses due to pests and diseases.



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At the end of the workshop participants agreed among others that breeders in their search for resistant varieties must look out for multiple gene-based materials to avoid the possibility of developing varieties which could be resistant to a particular strain of pathogens but susceptible to others.

They also agreed to have an integrated approach which will involve farmers, researcher and extension agents as parts of their efforts to prevent the introduction of pest and pathogens. Pest risk analysis (PRA) will also be a key component of the project to ensure effective prevention of the introduction of exogenous pests and pathogens.

The meeting also want chemicals used in the control of pests and pathogens to conform to international standards, while intensifying training of farmers to understand the principles behind recommendations for the management of pests and diseases.

The importation of pods and seeds for whatever purpose must be under strict control and should pass through quarantine process and movement of materials from hotspots where pathogens are prevalent should always pass through intermediate quarantine systems.

They said the issue of heavy metals such as cadmium and other contaminants should be taken into consideration in the search for chemicals to manage the pests and diseases, and a comprehensive regional emergency systems established to deal with problems of pests and pathogens as and when they arise.

“Project implementing countries should resource their quarantine departments to effectively implement laws and protocols to prevent the introduction of exogenous pests and pathogens. Comprehensive and consistent public education strategies must be developed to sensitize the public on the importance of these pests and pathogens to ensure effective control,” a communiqué released at the end of the workshop stated.

Workshop on managing cocoa pests and pathogens in Africa opensVibe GhanaBy: VibeGhanaApril 15, 2013 A four-day regional workshop on management of cocoa pests and pathogens in Africa opened in Accra on Monday, with a call on participating countries to contribute towards preventing the spread of cocoa pests and diseases on the continent.

The event is expected to provide the platform for these countries; Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Togo and Cameroon, to share experiences with experts from Brazil, Malaysia and Ecuador on foreign (exogenous) pests and pathogens as well as on measures to prevent its spread to Africa.

It was also to launch the start of a four-year project dubbed: “Integrated Pest Management “(IPM) aimed at accessing cocoa production losses caused by pests and diseases in the participating countries.

The project is also to encourage the application of best known practices for the control of weeds, pests and diseases of cocoa, and to build the capacity of farmers and stakeholders, to meet international standards, thereby improving their export potential to consumer markets.

It is initiated by the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) and with the joint support of International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

The total cost of the project is estimated at 3.2 million dollars of which CFC is funding 1.2 million dollars.



13

Promotion & Consumption

Others



Speaking at the opening session of the workshop, Mrs Afriyie Haffar, a Board Member of COCOBOD, called for regional and international collaboration to address the problems of pests and diseases. She said “we live in a global village and the risks of dangerous invasions by pests and diseases are extremely high.”

Mrs Haffar said that the project needed to be supported to institute the necessary measures to prevent possible invasions and disasters.

Mr Anthony Fofie, Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, observed that management of “mirids” and “black pods” diseases in Ghana cost millions of dollars yearly. He said: “whist we have made strides through the National Cocoa Pests and Diseases Control Programme to manage the diseases and pests pressures, key challenges remain”.

The challenges included helping farmers to use only approved pesticides and the right quantity as well as the development and release of diseases and pests resistant varieties.

Dr Jean-Marc Anga, Executive Director of ICCO, called on participating countries to implement all the components of the project in a holistic manner to ensure it succeeded.

An estimated 40 per cent of global annual cocoa production is lost to insects, pests and diseases, and currently, cocoa pests and diseases follow a regional pattern of distribution and are indigenous to specific geographic areas.

There is, however, an increasing threat of global spread of cocoa pests and diseases outside their current geographic distribution. Mirids, the aggressive black pod, and cocoa swollen shoot virus are the main indigenous pests and diseases affecting cocoa production in Africa.

In the current global market, with speedy communication and travel, trade links and the movement of humans and commodities all over the world, there is a greater and serious risk of introducing exogenous pest and disease to new regions or continents including Africa.

Cocoa merchants kick against multiple taxation in OndoPremium TimesBy Abimbola AyobamiApril 16,2013

The cocoa producers say the multiple taxation hinders the business and can negatively affect the economy of Ondo State.

Members of the Cocoa Produce Merchants Association of Nigeria in Ondo State have raised an alarm over multiple taxation.

The Chairman of the association, Abiodun Jacob, and the Secretary, Oyelere Adebayo, said the taxation has created a great burden on the members and the general public.

The duo, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Akure, said Cocoa merchants in Ondo state are being levied heavily by the state government through the produce department and which the association had cried out over; but nothing has been done to resolve the matter.

“At present we are made to pay nothing less than N500,000 for the warehouse where we operate and at the same time made to pay another levy on same title in the name of another heading as business premises fees which is not applicable to other business concern like ours.

“The produce department has also introduced a lot of taxation and levies that is of hindrance to the business and which the department is now forcing all to comply or go out of business as a circular has been sent to all



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merchants stating that without due compliance to the fees no grading to such stores by the produce officers in the state”, they said.

The association said the measures by the produce department would affect the poor farmers and the economy of the state drastically adding that legal steps are being taken to redress this issue as law abiding citizens.

It therefore called on the state government to quickly redress this issue stating that rather than imposing arbitrary levies on merchants, other state governments had put in place measures to make businesses strive.



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COPAL COCOA Info - Alliance of Cocoa Producing …. 540.doc · Web viewCOPAL COCOA Info A Weekly...

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Transcript of COPAL COCOA Info - Alliance of Cocoa Producing …. 540.doc · Web viewCOPAL COCOA Info A Weekly...