By Fatima Muraina
With the European Union’s December 31st deadline for compliance with its Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) fast approaching, the Ondo State Government has intensified engagements with farmers to ensure that cocoa and other agricultural produce from the state meet the new European market standards.
Ondo State, which contributes over 40 per cent of Nigeria’s cocoa exports, is taking proactive measures to align with the EUDR guidelines and avert export restrictions that could negatively affect local farmers and the state’s economy.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Elegbeka and Ifon communities in Ose Local Government Area, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, stressed the urgency of meeting the EU’s December 31st compliance deadline.
He called on farmers operating in forest reserves to cooperate fully with consultants conducting polygon mapping and agroforestry initiatives, both of which are key requirements for EUDR certification.
Engr. Akinola explained that mapping all farmlands and integrating indigenous trees into farming systems are essential steps to ensuring the traceability and sustainability demanded by the EU.
“We must work together to meet the December 31st deadline so that our cocoa remains welcome in European markets,” he said.
The Commissioner outlined the state’s new forest management plan, which divides forest reserves into three zones: Sustainable Zone: designated for agroforestry activities; Core Zone: strictly protected from human interference; and Buffer Zone: to be determined by the Governor.
He added that the state would provide indigenous tree seedlings for farmers to plant alongside their crops, thereby enhancing environmental protection while maintaining their means of livelihood.
Engr. Akinola noted that the initiative was not only about environmental compliance, but also about safeguarding farmers’ access to international markets.
Data from the mapping exercise, he said, would support long-term agricultural planning and policy development.
He further disclosed that, upon completion of the fieldwork, the Ministry would submit documents to the State House of Assembly to amend the 1954 Forestry Law, allowing controlled farming in parts of forest reserves in response to population pressures.
Community leaders, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Ebira Matters, Mr. Fatai Temuche, and the Adeule of Ifon, Chief Samuel Bamidele, commended the government’s approach.
They pledged to mobilise local farmers to adopt agroforestry practices and contribute to the success of the EUDR compliance programme.
As the December 31st deadline draws closer, Ondo State’s coordinated efforts reflect its strong commitment to maintaining its position as Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer while ensuring that its exports remain compliant and competitive in the European market.