….Begins Planting of 10 million Trees in forest Reserves.
Following agitation by some cocoa farmers asking for the reduction of levy charged by the ONDO state government on those farming in its forest reserves, the Ondo State Government has declared that there will be no going back on its forest restoration and sustainability policy as demanded by the European Union before cocoa can be sold in the global market.
The government noted that only those in the forest reserves are being asked to paid in order to save their means of livelihood, saying the policy is not about only Ondo state hence the need for the farmers to join hands with government to protect the environment while safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers across the state.
Speaking at a press conference held in Akure on Friday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr Olaleye Akinola, said the ongoing reforms are part of a comprehensive plan to restore depleted forest reserves and position Ondo State as a model of sustainable cocoa production in Nigeria.
Indigenous cocos farmers operating within the forest reserves of Idanre and Akure had appealed to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his compassionate intervention regarding the newly proposed Government Policy on farming activities in forest reserves, particularly the Polygon Mapping initiative and the Agro-Forestry program, introduced in compliance with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Under the proposed framework, each farmer is required to pay a levy of N250,000 per hectare-N150,000 for polygon mapping and N100,000 for Agro-Forestry with a farming permit valid for only five years.
Similarly, the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), write a letter to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to urgently review downward the recent directive mandating the payment of ₦250,000 per hectare for polygon mapping and permit renewal within the state’s forest reserves.
The farmers, under the umbrella of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), made the plea in an open letter signed by their National President, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, who also doubles as the Global President of the Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA). In the letter addressed to the Governor and copied to the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola, and other top government officials, the farmers expressed deep concern that the new levy could cripple cocoa production and push thousands of smallholder farmers out of business.
However reacting, Akinola dismissed insinuation that the farmers would only be allowed to be in the forest reserves for just 5years, explaining that once they fulfill all necessary conditions, the cocoa farmers would be in the forest for life in line with set conditions by the state government.
The Commissioner revealed that the government is establishing nurseries across the state to raise seedlings for the afforestation efforts, targeting the planting of 10 million trees in degraded areas and reclaimed forests.
Akinola said only cocoa farmers who have trees planted in their farm zones would be allowed to remain in the government’s forest reserves, as levy charged was to cover major expenses of carrying out the assignments that would remove Ondo state from red zone in cocoa farming.
He warned that Cocoa from Ondo state would not be allowed into global market if the forest policy was not properly carried out by December, 2025.
He explained that the policy, which commenced in 2020 and was initially set to take full effect in 2024 but extended to 2025, aimed at ensuring that all cocoa, cashew and rubber farmers are properly mapped and registered.
The Commissioner said by December 2025, only cocoa farmers with traceable farms will be eligible to sell their produce in line with global market and European Union traceability standards.
“This initiative is not about punishing anyone. It is about protecting the future of our farmers and meeting global sustainability requirements. We cannot continue to lose our forest cover while expecting to sell to international buyers who now demand proof of deforestation-free products,” the Commissioner stated.
He disclosed that government is preparing a new legislation to be forwarded to the State House of Assembly to categorize forest areas into three distinct zones — the Core Zone, where tree planting and regeneration will take place; the Sustainability Zone, where regulated farming such as cocoa and rice farming will continue; and the Buffer Zone, reserved for future agricultural expansion.
The Commissioner emphasized that mapping and monitoring activities are already ongoing, with government partnering accredited firms to use advanced technology for farm traceability.
He added that all yearly revenue collection relating to the process has been suspended until next year to ease farmers’ participation in the ongoing process.
Akinola further revealed that the state government is targeting the planting of 10 million trees in degraded forest zones.
“We will give the seedlings free of charge to farmers, but they will be monitored for two years to ensure survival. The government will not leave replanting in the hands of those who contributed to deforestation without proper supervision,” he explained.
The Commissioner reiterated that the Aiyedatiwa-led administration remains fully committed to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, assuring that all genuine farmers will be supported throughout the transition process.
“We are taking these steps to secure our forests, protect our climate, and sustain livelihoods for generations to come. This policy is irreversible — there is no going back,” he declared.
