ABG issues cocoa export licenses through BACRA and announces record high cocoa production in 2025
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), through the Bougainville Agriculture Commodities Regulatory Authority (BACRA), has issued cocoa export licenses to six export companies.
The first three licenses were issued in October 2025 to Sankamap, Elliven, and the Bougainville Organic Export Company. On Friday, an additional three licenses were issued to Coconut Products Limited (CPL), AGMARK, and PNG Pacific Capital Limited, indicating Bougainville’s progressive control of its cocoa industry.
The issuing of licenses by BACRA follows the passing of the Bougainville Agriculture Commodities Regulatory Act 2020 and the formal establishment of the Authority to regulate the agriculture and commodities industry on Bougainville. Under its regulations, the BACRA Advisory Council facilitates the screening and approval process of license applications.
Previously, cocoa export licenses were issued by the PNG Cocoa Board however those functions have been transferred to the ABG Department of Primary Industry and is now being operationalized by BACRA.
ABG Minister responsible for Primary Industry Hon. Clarence Dency, said the transition represents a significant shift in ownership and governance of one of Bougainville’s most important cash crop.
“For the first time, Bougainville is fully in control of its cocoa export system. This means that 100 per cent of cocoa export levies are now paid directly to the ABG through BACRA, ensuring that revenue generated from our cocoa industry stays in Bougainville and benefits our people,” the Minister said.
Secretary for the Department of Primary Industry, Kenneth Dovaro, said the revenue collected through BACRA will be reinvested directly into strengthening the cocoa industry.
“The funds generated will be used to build industry capacity through research and development, extension services, compliance monitoring, and the effective administration of the sector,” Secretary Dovaro said.
The Secretary added that the establishment of BACRA will significantly improve data collection and planning for the cocoa industry.
“For the first time, we are able to systematically collect accurate data on cocoa production across Bougainville. This will greatly improve future planning and policy decisions for the industry,” he said.
Bougainville has maintained its position as the country’s leading cocoa producer in recent years, with production in 2025 reaching approximately 23,500 metric tonnes.
“This is a historical high production level and very significant to the national and local economy as this is valued at over K750 million from our estimates,” Secretary Dovaro said.
“We assume that about 80% which is K600 million of the total revenues went straight to farmers’ pockets,” he added.
Under the new licensing arrangements, all cocoa exporters operating in Bougainville will be fully accountable to BACRA. This includes compliance with license conditions, monitoring requirements, and quality standards, which are expected to flow through the supply chain to farmers.
The Department of Primary Industry will also conduct region-wide awareness programs targeting cocoa farmers to promote quality production, proper registration of fermentries, and compliance with industry standards.
Minister Dency said these measures are aimed at protecting and maintaining Bougainville’s reputation for high-quality cocoa while ensuring long-term sustainability of the industry.
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