The European Union (EU) has officially informed the Liberian Senate that it will block cocoa products originating from Southeastern Liberia from entering its member states if immediate action is not taken to address the growing influx of Burkinabe nationals involved in cocoa farming.
This development was disclosed by Maryland County Senator Bleh-bo Brown during the public confirmation hearings for Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) Commissioner General-designate Elijah Forkpah Rufus and the Assistant Minister for Information at the Ministry of Defense, Oscar Mulbah.
According to Senator Brown, the EU’s warning is based on concerns about the increasing number of undocumented Burkinabe nationals farming cocoa in the region.
The EU fears that cocoa produced under these conditions may not meet internationally accepted standards of quality and agricultural practices.
The Senator further noted that the EU is worried unregulated farming by foreign nationals could undermine the integrity of the cocoa supply chain, potentially disrupting trade and market stability across European countries.
