This year’s theme, “The contribution of young people to sustainable cocoa farming in Côte d’Ivoire: transforming challenges into opportunities,” highlights the crucial role young people can play in the future of the country’s cocoa industry.
Organized by the Inter-regional Union of Coffee-Cocoa Cooperatives of Côte d’Ivoire (U. INTER.CC-CI), the FNJC aims to spark young people’s interest in cocoa farming, a sector vital to the Ivorian economy (representing 59% of exports to the EU and 14% of GDP), equip young farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable cocoa production methods, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship within the cocoa sector.
The forum comes at a critical time, as the European Union prepares to implement a ban on products linked to deforestation or forest degradation (starting January 2026). This regulation presents both challenges and opportunities for Ivorian cocoa producers.
The FNJC seeks to help young farmers navigate these regulations by exploring solutions for sustainable practices, such as agroforestry, traceability, and geolocation technologies.
The event expects over 4,000 participants and will feature panel discussions, presentations, and opportunities for young people to connect with established figures in the industry. The forum will also recognize and celebrate the achievements of successful young cocoa farmers who have contributed to a more sustainable and collaborative cocoa sector.
By fostering knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaboration, the FNJC aims to empower young Ivorians to become the driving force behind a thriving and sustainable cocoa industry in Côte d’Ivoire.
AP/fss/abj/APA