The Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea (CCB) has officially launched its Corporate Plan 2026–2028, setting a clear strategic direction to empower farmers, advance research, strengthen institutions, and build a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable cocoa industry for Papua New Guinea.
The plan was launched last Thursday, in Kokopo, East New Britain, by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, John Boito.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/png-cocoa-board-launches-corporate-plan-2026-2028-to-strengthen-cocoa-sector/
Minister Boito said the three-year roadmap is strongly aligned with the National Agriculture Sector Plan (NASP 2024–2033), the PNG Medium Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV 2023–2027), and the National Agriculture Corporate Plan (NACP 2024–2028).
Minister Boito highlighted that the Corporate Plan outlines six key strategic priority areas, including:
• Achieving 80,000 tons of cocoa production by 2028
• Reviving and strengthening cocoa research
• Ensuring compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
• Advancing Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) commitments
• Aligning industry efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Strengthening institutional capacity
He emphasized that the plan has been designed to be dynamic and adaptive, enabling the Cocoa Board to respond to emerging trends and challenges in the global cocoa market, including new regulatory requirements such as the EUDR and changing global sustainability expectations.
“I commend the Cocoa Board chairman, the CEO, and the entire team for their dedication in putting together this Corporate Plan. This is a success. Now, let us all turn this plan into action,” Minister Boito said in a statement.
The Minister stressed that the Corporate Plan is a strategic document of paramount importance, serving as the guiding framework that directs the organization’s efforts towards achieving its mission and vision.
He reaffirmed the Marape–Rosso Government’s commitment to agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, noting that cocoa remains one of Papua New Guinea’s most important growth commodities.
The Cocoa Board, he said, has made significant strides in increasing cocoa production, developing strategies to combat Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB), promoting downstream processing, and encouraging value addition across the industry.
“I call on all partners, stakeholders, industry players, and all levels of government to work closely with the Cocoa Board to increase production and improve quality, explore value-added activities, and support our farmers. Government will provide the enabling environment, but together we must deliver,” he said.
“Let us make Papua New Guinea a winning cocoa producer in the world.”
Minister Boito further challenged industry partners to place greater emphasis on practical engagement at the farm level and to lead by example.
“Let us work this plan. Let us show our farmers that these plans work. Let cocoa become a game changer in our households,” he said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Cocoa Board of PNG, John Kassman, said the Corporate Plan comes at a significant time for the country’s cocoa sector.
Mr. Kassman said the industry’s achievements reflect the dedication of smallholder farmers across cocoa-growing regions, the efficiency of exporters, and the commitment of partners invested in the sector.
He said the outcomes over the coming years will be shaped by the decisions and investments made collectively today.
“The Cocoa Board of PNG is committed to providing leadership, research, a strong regulatory framework, and market development to support this industry and the rural communities that depend on it,” Mr. Kassman said.
The launch ceremony was witnessed by cocoa exporters from East New Britain, the Governor of East New Britain Province, the Member for Kokopo, representatives from the East New Britain Provincial Administration, PACD Cocoa PMU, the Department of Planning, the Department of Personnel Management, and other key agriculture stakeholders.