The International Agricultural Show, held on February 21-22 in Paris, showcased Ivory Coast as the guest of honor. Ivory Coast stands as the world's leading producer of cocoa and cashew nuts, contributing a staggering 40% of the global cocoa production. However, the country faces a crisis as cocoa prices have significantly dropped over the past year, leaving many farmers with large quantities of unsold cocoa that threaten their livelihoods. The situation raises concerns about whether Ivory Coast will be forced to lower its prices to remain competitive in the market.

The newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Bruno Nabagné Koné, addressed these issues during the show, suggesting that the government and the Coffee-Cocoa Council need to consider the current market conditions to protect both the farmers' interests and the country's agricultural economy. The dialogue centers on finding solutions to stabilize prices while ensuring that cocoa producers can thrive amidst the fluctuating market dynamics.

The implications of this situation are profound, not just for the farmers directly involved but also for the wider agricultural economy of Ivory Coast, which heavily relies on cocoa exports. As such, the government's response and strategies employed by the Coffee-Cocoa Council in the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of the sector and the livelihood of countless individuals dependent on cocoa farming.