From Village Roots to Global Markets: Tony Benedict’s Cocoa Triumph in Papua New Guinea

Vanimo, Papua New Guinea – In the thriving communities of Papua New Guinea's West Sepik Province, a quiet transformation is underway. It's a tale of resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of partnership. It's the story of Tony Benedict, a cocoa farmer turned agripreneur from the town of Vanimo, whose journey embodies the spirit of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme.

Humble Beginnings, Lofty Dreams

Tony's passion for cocoa farming was born from humble beginnings. "I started this cocoa business as an ordinary villager about three years ago," Tony remembers, his eyes sparkling with a quiet pride. "Back then, there was no support, no infrastructure, and hardly any interest in cocoa farming." Undeterred, Tony forged ahead, driven by an unshakeable belief in the potential of cocoa.

His early days were filled with challenges. The rugged terrain and poor road conditions in West Sepik made transporting seedlings a logistical nightmare. Market access was limited, and the lack of technical knowledge and support posed a significant hurdle. "I had to hire villagers to carry cocoa seedlings for hours to reach remote farms," Tony explains, "and many seedlings were damaged along the way."

A Partnership for Progress: The EU-STREIT PNG Programme

Tony's fortunes took a turn for the better when the EU-STREIT PNG Programme extended its hand. Designed to boost agricultural productivity, agribusiness development, and market access, the Programme provided Tony with the crucial tools and knowledge he needed to succeed.

The Programme's positive influence was tangible and far-reaching. Cocoa farmers in the region received training on improved cocoa farming techniques, gained access to better quality, pest-tolerant seedlings, and empowered to rehabilitate their aging, infested cocoa plantations. The Programme's emphasis on quality control and post-harvest handling also proved invaluable, enabling farmers who supply cocoa agripreneurs like Tony to meet the stringent standards of the international market.

But the Programme’s support went beyond just technical assistance. It proactively opened doors to the international market, providing opportunities that were previously out of reach for small-scale farmers and local agripreneurs like Tony. "In the past, market access was confined to big companies only," Tony recalls. "But STREIT in collaboration with Cocoa Board and Provincial Division of Agriculture and Livestock empowered us, the local people and traders, to take part in the export of our cocoa beans."

Through the Programme, Tony participated in two cocoa trade expos, including the prestigious FHA Singapore 2024 Expo Tradeshow. These experiences were eye-opening, offering invaluable insights into the global cocoa industry and fostering connections with potential buyers and traders from around the world.  "The trip was well worth the investment," Tony reflects. "It exposed me to the great potential of cocoa trading in the international market and motivated me to further progress and add value to our objectives for cocoa production."

These newfound connections led to lucrative export contracts with two overseas buyers from Singapore to ship total 48 tonnes per year of quality dried cocoa beans worth over PGK 1.7 million to companies’ factories based in Malaysia. "I have been trying to find buyers to export Sepik cocoa beans, and this sponsored trip has provided me this potential opportunity," Tony explains with gratitude. "With the help from STREIT, I’m able to explore more potential markets for my cocoa products. It includes ongoing negotiations with a buyer from China to supply annually 80 tonnes of quality dried cocoa beans, estimated to value approximately PGK 2.4 million; the connection with this buyer started during Singapore visit (FHA 2024 tradeshow)."

Sowing the Seeds of Success

Tony's success is not just his own. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and the ripple effect of positive change. He's actively sharing his knowledge and experience with other cocoa farmers in the region, empowering them to improve their yields, quality and access new markets. "I can now support my farmer network with the assistance from STREIT," he explains. "We're distributing more improved cocoa seedlings, supported by STREIT, to new farmers, which will increase cocoa production in the long run."

The impact of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme is evident across West Sepik. Farmers are planting more cocoa, production is soaring, and incomes are rising. The introduction of cloned cocoa varieties, tolerant to the devastating Cocoa Pod Borer pest infestation, has further energized the industry. "In a few years, this support from STREIT will significantly increase cocoa production," Tony predicts. "There's a great future for cocoa farmers in this region."

The Programme also focuses on improving the agribusiness enabling environment in the region, empowering farmers and agripreneurs by enhancing their access to digital tools, e-marketing platforms, cashless banking services and products, innovative renewable energy solutions, and advanced knowledge, while establishing export-oriented facilities to further support SME operations and sustainable business development.

A Vision for a Brighter Future

Tony's ambitions don't stop there. He's invested in cocoa processing machinery, adding value to his product and boosting export earnings. "I'm looking into further downstream processing of cocoa into chocolate," he reveals, his eyes gleaming with entrepreneurial spirit.

Tony's success story is more than just a personal triumph. It's a flare of hope for his community, demonstrating that with hard work, determination, and the right support, dreams can indeed become reality. "My wife is happy that we have achieved this dream," Tony shares. "And we're proud to be spreading financial opportunities to our fellow cocoa farmers."

As Tony looks to the future, he envisions a thriving cocoa industry in West Sepik, one where farmers are empowered, communities are prosperous, and the sweet taste of success is shared by all. "My hopes are targeted towards more growing of cocoa," he declares. "We'll increase production, strengthen farmer networks, and ultimately, go into downstream cocoa processing."

Tony Benedict's journey is a testament to the transformative power of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme. It's a story of how one man's dream, nurtured by partnership and opportunity, is blossoming into a brighter future for an entire region. From humble beginnings to a pioneering exporter, Tony's story is an inspiration to all, a reminder that even in the most remote corners of the world, the seeds of success can be sown and nurtured to bear fruit. 

About EU-STREIT PNG Programme 

The EU-STREIT PNG, being implemented as a United Nations Joint Programme (by FAO, ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP), is the European Union's largest grant-funded initiative in the country. It focuses on boosting sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas. This is achieved by enhancing economic returns and opportunities within cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains. Additionally, the Programme strengthens and improves the efficiency of value chain enablers, including access to ICT and digital financial services. It also supports the development of sustainable, climate-resilient transport infrastructures and renewable energy solutions. The Programme benefits two provinces: East Sepik and West Sepik. 

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