More than 3,500 cocoa farmers in 28 towns in Osun State, Nigeria, have received sustainability incentives totaling more than N150 million ($91,400) from WACOT Limited, a division of the Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group.
The farmers’ commitment to sustainable cocoa production is recognized with this award, which supplements payments received for cocoa delivered under WACOT’s sustainable cocoa project. At the Cocoa Sustainability Differential Award ceremony in Balogun Community, Ile-Ife, where residents gathered to commemorate their accomplishment, the bonus was given out.
The award emphasizes the outstanding quality of cocoa produced by these farmers, who follow international guidelines for sustainable agriculture, which include avoiding child or forced labor, using agricultural inputs responsibly, and protecting protected forest reserves.
According to Yosola Onanuga, TGI Group’s Head of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability: “We want to appreciate the farmers in our cocoa program for their commitment to sustainable farming practices. Sustainability is a core value at TGI which is deeply embedded in our operational strategies. We thank the community for their unwavering support and dedication to improving sustainable practices in cocoa cultivation, from harvesting to fermentation and at every stage of the value chain.”
WACOT’s program offers local farmers equitable compensation, assistance, and training as part of its corporate responsibility and sustainability approach. Participating farmers gain access to coordinated out-grower farming projects for a range of crops, including rice, sesame, cotton, and cocoa.
BrandSpur Nigeria news today reports that this assistance consists of quick cash payments for harvested produce at current market values, training on Yield Enhancement Techniques (YET) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and simple access to high-quality agro-inputs.
The worldwide conglomerate Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, which is well-represented in emerging markets, prioritizes value addition and inclusivity through local sourcing, hiring qualified employees, and utilizing state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. This strategy supports TGI’s mission to manufacture premium goods for both domestic and international markets. The awards coincide with the European Union’s recent extension of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance period, which was originally scheduled to take effect by the end of 2024.
Targeting items like cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and soy that are linked to deforestation, the EUDR now mandates compliance from large corporations by December 30, 2025, while smaller businesses have until June 30, 2026.
