The Cocoa Abrabopa Association (CAA), a farmer-based organization, has paid a total of GH¢11.5 million to 7,500 cocoa farmers across five cocoa-growing regions in Ghana. This payment includes a premium of GH¢1.5 million, known as the “Sustainability Differential,” which is an additional cash incentive for farmers who adhere to sustainable farming practices under the Rainforest Alliance Certification Programme (RACP).

The Sustainability Differential is a mandatory cash payment earned by farmers for the 2023/2024 crop season, aimed at motivating them to adopt environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices. This year’s payment of GH¢65 per bag of certified cocoa is an increase from last year’s GH¢52.50 per bag, totaling GH¢9.2 million.

The beneficiary farmers are from 39 cocoa operational areas in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Western-North, and Volta regions. The payment is part of CAA’s initiatives to support farmers in improving their yields, promoting environmental sustainability, and respecting human rights due diligence protocols.

At a durbar in Tarkwa, the acting Executive Secretary and Chief Finance and Operations Manager for CAA, Patrick John Van Brakel, urged farmers to sign their premium letters to facilitate electronic and timely payments. He encouraged farmers to produce quality cocoa beans, aiming for a target of 18,000 Metric Tons for the 2023/2024 crop season.

Mr. Van Brakel assured farmers of CAA’s continued support through initiatives such as traceability training, advanced farming techniques, pest and disease monitoring, and economic shade tree provision. The Council Chairman for CAA, Ismaila Pomasi, emphasized the importance of the regional durbar in sharing ideas and strategies for the association’s growth and development.

The Sustainability Manager for CAA, Wilfred Apiung, highlighted the impact of sustainability initiatives on developmental projects in education, water, and sanitation in cocoa operational areas. He urged farmers to take the shade tree planting initiative seriously, as it is a critical environmental sustainability requirement.

On behalf of the farmers, Daniel Dadzie expressed gratitude to CAA management for the increment and assured their commitment to helping meet the 18,000-tonne target for the 2023/2024 season.