Ondo Intensifies Efforts to Meet EU December 31st Deforestation Regulation Deadline
With the European Union’s December 31st deadline for compliance with its Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) fast approaching, the Ondo State Government has ramped up engagements with farmers to ensure that cocoa and other agricultural produce from the state meet the new European market standards.
Ondo State, which produces over 40% of Nigeria’s cocoa exports, is taking proactive measures to align with the EUDR guidelines and avoid export restrictions that could impact local farmers and the state’s economy.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Elegbeka and Ifon communities in Ose Local Government Area, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, underscored the urgency of meeting the EU’s December 31st compliance timeline. He called on farmers operating in forest reserves to fully cooperate with consultants carrying out polygon mapping and agroforestry initiatives, both key requirements for EUDR certification.
Engr. Akinola noted that mapping all farmlands and integrating indigenous trees into farming systems are vital steps toward ensuring the traceability and sustainability demanded by the EU. “We must work together to meet the December 31st deadline so that our cocoa remains welcome in European markets,” he said.
The Commissioner outlined the state’s new forest management plan, which divides forest reserves into three zones:
Sustainable Zone: designated for agroforestry activities,
Core Zone: strictly protected from human interference, and
Buffer Zone: to be determined by the Governor.
He added that the state will provide indigenous tree seedlings for farmers to plant alongside their crops, strengthening environmental protection while maintaining livelihoods.
Engr. Akinola emphasized that the initiative is not only about environmental compliance but also about safeguarding farmers’ access to international markets. Data from the mapping exercise will support long-term agricultural planning and policy reform.
He further disclosed that, following completion of the fieldwork, the Ministry will submit documents to the State House of Assembly to amend the 1954 Forestry Law, enabling controlled farming in parts of forest reserves in response to population pressures.
Community leaders, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Ebira Matters, Mr. Fatai Temuche, and the Adeule of Ifon, Chief Samuel Bamidele, lauded the government’s approach. They pledged to mobilize local farmers to embrace agroforestry practices and contribute to the success of the EUDR compliance program.
As the December 31st deadline draws near, Ondo State’s coordinated efforts reflect a strong commitment to maintaining its position as Nigeria’s leading cocoa producer while ensuring its exports remain compliant and competitive in the European market.
