On the sidelines of the 62nd International Agricultural Show (SIA) in Paris, the future of Ivorian agricultural exports was decided during a strategic meeting. Producers, government representatives, and partners from the European Union (EU) gathered to harmonize their positions before the crucial deadline of December 31, 2026 .

Mr. Koffi Rodrigue, Director General of Rural Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, summarized these discussions on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

An encouraging assessment

According to Mr. Koffi Rodrigue, the Ivorian sectors are already "very advanced". The country is preparing to meet the three pillars of the new European regulation:

1. Zero deforestation : Guaranteeing that products do not come from deforested land.
2. Traceability : Identify the precise origin of each batch.
3. Legality : Strictly respect the national laws in force.

"The supply chains are generally compliant, although some technical adjustments still need to be finalized," he said.

The remaining challenges: Census and Agroforestry

Despite this progress, the ministry remains vigilant on certain sensitive points to ensure that no stakeholder is left behind:

1. Grower identification : A system is being deployed to integrate late producers into the traceability system.
2. The oil palm sector : Specific studies on legality criteria are being finalized.
3. Agroforestry : The relevant ministries are working together to structure the national response and train operators in the field.

More than a constraint, a lever for competitiveness

Far from being merely a trade barrier, this new regulation is seen by the Ivorian authorities as a major opportunity:

1. Boosting sustainability : Accelerating initiatives already underway in the sectors.
2. Securing markets : By being among the first to comply, Ivory Coast strengthens its position vis-à-vis other global suppliers to the EU.
3. Financial valuation : The challenge is to transform these sustainability efforts into better remuneration for small producers.

The objective is clear: to ensure that on January 1, 2027, trade between Ivory Coast and its main European partner continues without any disruption, while promoting the expertise of Ivorian farmers.