President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, has commended Bougainville’s cocoa farmers for their hard work and resilience, which has reinforced the region’s position as the country’s top cocoa producer.
President Toroama made this statement at the Bougainville Chocolate Festival held this week in Buka.
“Today, Bougainville stands proud as the largest cocoa producer in Papua New Guinea – a title that we held strongly before the conflict and now our farmers have retained that title, demonstrating our commitment to productivity and quality in this industry.”
President Toroama highlighted the significant economic impact of the sector, noting that in 2024 alone, Bougainville cocoa farmers earned more than K500 million — a record injection into our local economy.
“It was a 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 further emphasized that Bougainville’s political independence must be matched by economic independence, outlining two priority goals 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 was the establishment of a Bougainville Export Company to take charge of exporting our own commodities, including cocoa, directly to international markets.”
President Toroama also acknowledged BACRA’s achievements stating that 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, the cocoa powder and the cocoa butter.
“These products are gradually moving into the domestic markets and reaching into Australia, New Zealand, England and other Pacific Island countries.”
“These are not small achievements — they represent our ability to add value, to create jobs, and to 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, signaling the government’s commitment to value addition across the cocoa industry.
He further praised local entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and private companies highlighting that they are the pioneers of a new Bougainville economy — one based on creativity, discipline, and enterprise.
President Toroama encouraged farmers to remain focused on quality and sustainability: “We must not only produce more but we must produce better – our cocoa must meet the highest global standards of quality and sustainability.”
President Toroama acknowledged the support of the ABG Department of Primary Industry, along with Australia and New Zealand, for their ongoing contribution to the festival and called on development partners to support the sector further.
“As Bougainville’s cocoa continues to gain international recognition as a quality cocoa producing region, I call on your support to this industry, by helping us to build the economic enablers that support it — roads, wharves, power, and market access.”
“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.”
