The vibrant cocoa farming sector in Ondo State is facing a storm! Smallholder farmers, the backbone of this crucial industry, are sounding the alarm over a new forest policy that they claim is financially crippling and threatens their very ability to earn a living. They’ve made a desperate plea to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urging him to reconsider the harsh measures before it’s too late.
Here’s a quick rundown of the farmers’ main concerns:
- Sky-high Costs: A new per-hectare fee of N250,000 for mapping and agro-forestry, plus a five-year farming permit, is simply unmanageable for many.
- Jumping Fees: The recent doubling of the grading fee per tonne of cocoa to N22,000 is a massive burden, translating to huge costs per trailer load.
- Unfair Permits: Small farmers get only five-year permits, while big investors secure decades-long leases at much lower rates.
- Lack of Support: Farmers are left to shoulder the costs of accessing and maintaining farm roads within the forest reserves.
Farmers Sound the Alarm Over ‘Unsustainable’ Forest Policy
In a heartfelt petition sent to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a group of cocoa farmers operating within Ondo State’s precious forest reserves have voiced their deep distress over a recently implemented forest farming policy. These hardworking individuals feel the new regulations are not just unrealistic, but are actively jeopardizing their livelihoods. They are calling for an immediate and compassionate review of the policy, which includes a Polygon Mapping Initiative and an Agro-Forestry Programme. While these initiatives are designed to align with global standards like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), their current financial demands are proving to be far too steep for the average farmer.
The N250,000 Question: What’s Behind the New Fees?
At the heart of the farmers’ grievance is the hefty N250,000 per hectare charge. This amount is broken down into N150,000 for polygon mapping and N100,000 for agroforestry. On top of this, farmers are required to obtain a five-year farming permit. To put this into perspective, under the previous system, farmers paid a much more manageable N20,000 per hectare, a testament to their consistent commitment to following regulations and adopting sustainable practices.
A Closer Look at the Cost of Doing Business
The situation is further complicated by a recent, drastic increase in the grading fee for cocoa. The Ministry of Agriculture has more than doubled this fee, from N11,000 per tonne to N22,000 per kilo. This sharp hike means that a single trailer of cocoa now incurs a levy of approximately ₦660,000! For peasant farmers, this is an astronomical and frankly, unsustainable cost. Many are struggling to comprehend how they are expected to absorb such a significant financial blow. In Nigeria, the cocoa industry is a vital source of income for many communities, particularly in states like Ondo, which is a major producer.
Are Investors Getting a Better Deal?
The farmers’ petition, spearheaded by their legal representative, Professor Olugbenga Oke of Lawville Legal Practice, highlights what appears to be a stark disparity in how smallholders and large-scale investors are treated. While local exporters have often mapped farmlands at no cost to farmers in designated free areas, sometimes even offering incentives, the state government’s new policy seems to place an undue burden on indigenous farmers. Furthermore, the N100,000 levy for tree planting is being questioned, as a measure of seeds capable of producing 1,000 trees reportedly costs only N5,000. This raises serious questions about the fairness and transparency of the agroforestry component of the policy.
Investor Leases vs. Farmer Permits: A Tale of Two Contracts
The petition lays out specific examples of long-term leases granted to large investors, which contrast sharply with the limited five-year permits offered to peasant farmers:
| Company | Hectares | Permit Length | Annual Cost | Cost per Hectare (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JB Farms Ltd (Ore-Otulrele Forest Reserve) | 14,000 | 50 years | N50 million | N3,572 |
| SAO Agro | 10,000 | 80 years | N20 million | N2,000 |
| Tropic Palm Oil Lad (Ute Owo Forest Reserve) | 14,000 | 40 years | N30 million | N2,150 |
Considering that cocoa trees can remain productive for over 40 years, granting indigenous farmers, many of whom may have previously been unemployed, only a five-year permit while investors receive decades-long access seems profoundly unjust. The situation is further compounded by the fact that farmers are solely responsible for the crucial access roads and other infrastructure within these forest reserves, adding yet another layer of financial strain.
A Humble Request for Review
In light of these pressing concerns, the farmers are respectfully requesting a downward revision of the N250,000 per hectare levy. They believe this adjustment is crucial to align the policy with the economic realities faced by peasant farmers in Ondo State. The hope is that Governor Aiyedatiwa will hear their plea and initiate a dialogue that leads to a more equitable and sustainable future for cocoa farming in the state. The international market demand for cocoa is strong, and ensuring local farmers can participate profitably is vital for both the economy and the community.
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