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Trials of the global coffee market: Ivory Coast cocoa and coffee beans in peril
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Photo by John Owens
Labor unions representing 35 different cocoa and coffee farming cooperatives in the Ivory Coast, announced today that they would hold off on a nationwide strike, according to the Bloomberg news source. Still plans are in place for when the time is ripe, say union leaders.
What is wrong with Ivory Coast cocoa and coffee farmers?
Simple, like many growers from India to the Americas, they are struggling. In this West African nation, new regulations were put in place because of pressures by the World Bank. These measures have failed to provide any assistance to the small farmers. Aside from almost dominating the cocoa market, the Ivory Coast is the 4th largest producer of robusta coffee beans. Coffee and cocoa trees are often planted together, as the cocoa trees are tall enough to provide shade for the coffee trees.
At this point, it is possible that the Ivory Coast cocoa market, which provides 40% of the global market, will decline by 15%, simply because the farmers have next to nothing to invest into the new growing season. Without the ability of the farmers, and the willingness of the government to plant new trees, Ivory Coast cocoa and coffee bean production will likely decrease. Aging cocoa and coffee trees have been a problem in the Ivory Coast for some time. By the 1980's, 60% of coffee trees were over 15 years old.
What do the cocoa and coffee growers want?
To make a living off of growing cocoa and coffee beans. Unions representatives are asking for government guaranteed prices of beans for the new season. They also need the government to provide much needed supplies, such as pesticides and new trees. Otherwise, they may be forced to plant other crops in order to survive.
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