Last week, cocoa farmers from Central Bougainville participated in a Masterclass focused on cocoa post-harvest processing, aiming to strengthen the quality and compliance of locally produced cocoa for international markets. The workshop was coordinated and funded by the United Kingdom Trade Partnership (UKTP) Program in partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government through the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
The program delivered practical, in-depth instruction on refining harvesting, fermenting, and drying practices – key stages to achieving export-quality cocoa that meets strict UK and EU market standards. Participants also studied the characteristics and management of Papua New Guinea’s hybrid cocoa clones, bred for high yield and natural tolerance to Cocoa Pod Borer. The importance of good agricultural practices, including effective pruning and sanitation, was highlighted as essential for maintaining premium bean quality.
Bougainville Organic Sustainable Services Inc (BOSSI) was proudly represented by Geraldine Paul (Company Committee Secretary and Co-Founder of BOSSI), Ms. Ronda Tarurava (Chairlady for the BAEE Women’s Cooperative in Kokoda), Gladshy Kopana (Cocoa Quality Assessor and member of the Lower Rikua Cooperative at Wakunai), and Julie Boas (BOSSI’s Admin Officer), who all attended alongside DPI’s technical facilitators. Together, they engaged with local cooperatives and farmers in both classroom and field settings, focusing on consistent fermentation, quality control, and traceability.
A significant feature of the program was the introduction of the EUDR Data Collection Framework. This tool will help cooperatives effectively map their farms, document legal and deforestation-free status, and strengthen record-keeping to align with international traceability standards.
“This collaboration with UKTP and DPI shows what’s possible when government and community initiatives align – empowering our farmers to meet global expectations while preserving the integrity of Bougainville’s cocoa,” said BOSSI Committee Secretary, Geraldine Paul.
BOSSI commends the UKTP, DPI, the facilitators, and all participating farmers for their dedication to excellence. Together, they are steering Bougainville’s cocoa industry towards greater sustainability, quality, and recognition under the ‘Wild & Pure’ brand.