DPI conducts region-wide awareness on cocoa regulations
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has commenced a region-wide awareness program this week, aimed at informing cocoa farmers of the cocoa regulations established under the Bougainville Agriculture Commodity Regulation Authority (BACRA).
The awareness focuses on promoting quality production, proper registration of fermentaries and compliance with industry standards. The program began yesterday at Tinputz District station with DPI stakeholder and export license holder Agmark, and local cocoa farmers in the Tinputz area.
Secretary for the Department of Primary Industries, Kenneth Dovaro, emphasized the importance of meeting the required production and market standards so that Bougainville can be able to produce quality cocoa and in turn put revenue into farmer’s pockets and grow Bougainville’s economy.
ABG Minister for Primary Industries, Hon. Clarence Dency, who is also part of the awareness team, highlighted DPI’s efforts which aim to support economic readiness in preparation for independence and has three priority focus areas which includes cocoa, copra and fresh food produce.
“These three focus areas are important as they bring money to farmers pockets and will also raise Bougainville’s revenue in preparation for independence and so this awareness is meet with farmers and stakeholders who are our exporters and inform them of the regulations that we all need to comply with,” he said.
Cocoa farmers were challenged to:
- follow the best practices of producing quality cocoa, starting from planting the seedlings, to harvesting, packing, labelling and selling of cocoa beans.
- register cocoa fermentaries following proper channels through the BACRA
- obtain licenses as dry or wet bean buyers
- obtain licenses as budwood gardeners and
- comply with industry standards
Failure to comply will result in penalties imposed to farmers which include charging fees, imprisonment and rejecting the cocoa bags.
The awareness program also advised farmers of the grace period provided this year to obtain the necessary licences and meet regulatory requirements, with penalties for non-compliance to take effect from next year.
The awareness team continued to Wakunai district yesterday and later ended at Mabiri in Central Bougainville.
Farmers at Wakunai District attended the session with their Constituency Member for Rotokas, Hon. Martin Avoata, who welcomed the team and encouraged farmers to listen carefully to the awareness and comply with the regulations being promoted by the DPI team.
The awareness program continued in Arawa Town today and will conclude in Buin, South Bougainville, at the end of the week.
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