Brazil and Cameroon sign agreement for sustainable cocoa

With the aim of supporting Brazilian and Cameroonian producers in promoting a cocoa sector to achieve a more productive and sustainable economy, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) and the Cameroonian Ministry of Agriculture signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Brasilia on September 8. The objectives of the bilateral agreement also include the exchange of experiences, innovations, and technologies, the promotion of cooperatives, and the stimulation of transformations in the sector's management and marketing models. The actions described in the ACT will be coordinated by the Executive Committee of the Cocoa Crop Plan (CEPLAC) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA). The exchange of experiences will be the responsibility of CEPLAC and the Cocoa Development Society (SODECACO) of Cameroon. Cooperation between Brazil and Cameroon Strengthens Sustainable Cocoa Production According to Pedro Neto, Secretary of Innovation, Sustainable Development, and Cooperatives at MAPA, the signing represents an important step in the entire process. He emphasized: "Our challenge now is to make it a reality. It's about sharing innovative and sustainable technology and practices, not only from a climate perspective, but also from an environmental and economic perspective." In Brazil, we have a development plan for the cocoa production chain that includes organized production, consolidated representation of producers and industries, and governance with international coordination. "This has prompted us to reinvent ourselves and, consequently, to seek new management models," Neto added. Cameroon's ambassador, Martin Mbeng, expressed his great satisfaction with the partnership. According to him, the cooperation could bring numerous benefits to both countries, which are internationally recognized as major cocoa producers. Finally, Thiago Guedes, director of Ceplac, was present at the event. Lucas Fiuza de Moraes, Coordinator of International Cooperation at the Secretariat of Trade and International Relations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply, also participated. Also present were Martial Tchenzette, Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Cameroon, and Didier Mendomo, First Secretary of the Embassy of Cameroon.