Autonomous Region of Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has commended the region’s cocoa farmers for their hard work and resilience, which have reinforced Bougainville’s position as Papua New Guinea’s top cocoa producer.
Toroama made this statement during the Bougainville Chocolate Festival held this week in Buka.
“Today, Bougainville stands proud as the largest cocoa producer in Papua New Guinea – a title we held strongly before the conflict, and one our farmers have now reclaimed. This demonstrates our commitment to productivity and quality in this industry,” Toroama said.
Highlighting the sector’s significant economic contribution, he noted: “In 2024 alone, Bougainville cocoa farmers earned more than K500 million — a record injection into our local economy. It is the result of the resilience and hard work of our people, supported by the vision of successive governments that recognized the potential of cocoa to transform our economy.”
President Toroama stressed that Bougainville’s pursuit of political independence must go hand in hand with achieving economic independence. He outlined two key priorities under his government’s 100-Day Plan:
“First, the reclaiming and redevelopment of plantations, so that our land once again becomes productive under Bougainvillean ownership; and second, the establishment of a Bougainville Export Company to take charge of exporting our own commodities, including cocoa, directly to international markets.”
He also acknowledged the Bougainville Cocoa and Chocolate Regulatory Authority (BACRA) for its progress in expanding market access.
“Notable progress is being made in terms of market access with the successful completion of barcoding of our first products — including the Bougainville chocolate brand, cocoa powder, and cocoa butter. These products are gradually entering domestic markets and reaching Australia, New Zealand, England, and other Pacific Island countries,” he said.
“These are not small achievements — they represent our ability to add value, create jobs, and build wealth from our own resources. We will no longer remain just producers of raw materials. We will become manufacturers, exporters, and brand owners of Bougainville’s products,” he added, reaffirming the government’s commitment to value addition in the cocoa industry.
Toroama further praised local entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and private companies, describing them as “the pioneers of a new Bougainville economy — one based on creativity, discipline, and enterprise.”
Encouraging farmers to maintain high standards, he said: “We must not only produce more, but we must produce better — our cocoa must meet the highest global standards of quality and sustainability.”
He also expressed appreciation to the ABG Department of Primary Industry, as well as the governments of Australia and New Zealand, for their continued support of the Festival and the cocoa sector. He urged development partners to expand their assistance to help strengthen Bougainville’s agricultural infrastructure.
“As Bougainville’s cocoa continues to gain international recognition as a quality-producing region, I call on your support for this industry by helping us build the economic enablers that sustain it — roads, wharves, power, and market access,” President Toroama said.
“My Government will continue to invest in innovation and knowledge sharing to empower our people — especially our youth — to see agriculture as a path to success and prosperity,” he concluded.
