Ivory Coast Holds Cocoa Farmgate Price Steady for Main Harvest
The Ivorian government announced that it will keep the farmgate price for cocoa at 1,200 CFA francs per kilogram (approximately $2.12) for the upcoming main harvest season. Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagne Kone confirmed the decision, stating that the price will apply to “well‑fermented, well‑dried, well‑sorted” beans.
Government Decision and Rationale
According to Minister Kone, the unchanged rate mirrors the level set in March for the mid‑crop season and reflects a careful assessment of market conditions.
“It has been decided that a kilogram of well‑fermented, well‑dried, well‑sorted cocoa will be purchased at the farm gate price of 1,200 francs per kilo,” said Bruno Nabagne Kone, Ivorian Minister of agriculture.
The move aims to stabilize farmer incomes after a period of extreme price volatility that saw the government slash payments by nearly 60 % earlier this year to counter a sales slump.
Impact on Farmers and Sector
Many growers expressed disappointment, hoping for a modest rebound toward the 1,800–2,000 CFA franc range.
“We were expecting the farm‑gate price to go back up a bit, either to 2,000 or to 1,800; that was the hope. Unfortunately, it’s still stuck at 1,200. Well, they’re the ones who’ve done their calculations. Honestly, it’s a disappointment in a way. But what can we do about it?”
– Thibaut Yoro, cocoa grower
Cocoa remains a cornerstone of the Ivorian economy, contributing about 14 % of GDP and supporting roughly five million livelihoods across the country.
Background: Recent Price Volatility
In March 2025, the government reduced the farmgate price by almost 60 % to align with weakening global demand. Just months earlier, in October 2024, President Alassane Ouattara had heralded a record high of 2,800 CFA francs per kilogram ahead of his re‑election campaign.
International cocoa markets experienced a sharp rally in 2024, with futures peaking above $3,200 per metric ton before a sustained decline in 2025 brought prices back toward $2,300 per ton. This divergence left Ivorian beans priced above world levels, prompting the government’s intervention to avoid unsustainable stockpiles.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Outlook
Stakeholders warn that relying solely on price adjustments may not address structural issues such as aging tree stocks, limited access to finance, and the need for sustainable farming practices.
- Improving yield through replanting and better agronomic training.
- Expanding value‑addition locally to capture more of the chocolate‑industry margin.
- Strengthening cooperatives to enhance bargaining power.
- Monitoring global cocoa trends and adjusting policy tools in a timely manner.
As the world’s leading cocoa producer, Ivory Coast’s policy decisions continue to shape both rural incomes and the broader chocolate supply chain.
References
- International Cocoa Organization (ICCO). “Monthly Cocoa Market Report,” March 2025.
- Reuters. “Ivory Coast keeps cocoa farmgate price unchanged for main crop,” April 2025.
- World Bank. “Côte d’Ivoire Economic Update,” October 2024.
- FAO. “Cocoa Production Statistics,” 2024.
