Cocoa farmers in Idanre and Akure forest reserves, Ondo State, have opposed the state government’s newly proposed Forest Farming Policy, describing it as financially burdensome and discriminatory.

Key points of contention:

• New charges: Farmers are required to pay ₦250,000 per hectare (₦150,000 for polygon mapping and ₦100,000 for agro-forestry) with only a five-year farming permit.
• Existing payment: Farmers currently pay ₦20,000 per hectare.
• Cocoa prices falling: Market prices have dropped from ₦14,000 to ₦6,000 per kilogram, adding to economic strain.
• Agro-forestry costs questioned: Farmers argue that tree-planting costs only about ₦5,000, making the ₦100,000 levy excessive.
• Permit disparities: Large investors enjoy long-term leases (40–80 years) at much lower per-hectare costs, while smallholders are restricted to five years.

Examples cited by farmers:

• JB Farms Ltd: 14,000 ha, 50-year permit, ₦50 million/year (~₦3,572/ha)
• SAO Agro Ltd: 10,000 ha, 80-year permit, ₦20 million/year (~₦2,000/ha)
• Tropic Palm Oil Ltd: 14,000 ha, 40-year permit, ₦30 million/year (~₦2,150/ha)

Farmers’ demands:

1. Review the ₦250,000/ha levy.
2. Extend permits to at least 50 years for long-term sustainability.
3. Adjust agro-forestry charges to reflect actual market costs.
4. Government subsidy for polygon mapping to ease compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

The farmers called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to act fairly and support smallholders who contribute to both cocoa production and forest conservation.