The Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea (CCB) has launched its Corporate Plan 2026-2028, a three-year roadmap to empower farmers, advance research, strengthen institutions, and build a sustainable, inclusive cocoa industry.
The plan aligns with PNG’s national agriculture, development, and corporate strategies (NASP, MTDP IV, NACP).
Launched on 10 April in Kokopo, East New Britain by Minister for Agriculture and Livestock John Boito, the plan sets six strategic priorities: achieving 80,000 tonnes of cocoa production by 2028; reviving and strengthening cocoa research; ensuring compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR); advancing gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI); aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals; and strengthening institutional capacity.
Minister Boito said the plan is dynamic and adaptive to global market trends and regulations such as the EUDR. He commended the Board: “This is a success. Now, let us turn this plan into action.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cocoa as a key economic driver and challenged partners to focus on practical farm-level engagement: “Let cocoa become a game changer in our households.”
Boito urged all partners, stakeholders, industry players, and levels of government to work closely with the Cocoa Board. “Increase production and improve quality. Explore value-added activities. Support farmers,” he said, outlining immediate priorities.
The Minister said the Government would provide the enabling environment but stressed that success depends on collective effort. “Together we must deliver,” he stated. “Let us make Papua New Guinea a winning cocoa producer in the world.”
Witnessing the launch were cocoa exporters from East New Britain, the Governor of East New Britain, the Member for Kokopo, Provincial Administration representatives, PACD Cocoa PMU, Departments of Planning and Personnel Management, and other key agriculture stakeholders.