Organic Farming : Regulatory Framework Under Scrutiny

Within the framework of improving regulations governing the production of organic food for human or animal consumption, while enhancing the professionalism of stakeholders in this sector, most of whom still operate informally, a proposed regulatory framework on organic farming in Cameroon has been explained to lawmakers. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Gabriel Mbairobe was before the Production and Trade Committee of the National Assembly headed by Hon Mbakam Chouga Guillaume on November 12, 2025 to justify the relevance of the legal instrument which he said will enhance the visibility and boost the profitability of Cameroonian products on the global market.
Organic farming, it should be noted, refers to a system of crop cultivation, animal production, aquaculture, beekeeping and forestry practices involving the preservation of natural ecosystems, thus significantly reducing the use of synthetic chemical inputs and strictly restricting the use of genetically modified organisms. It also adopts sustainable farming systems that are environmental -friendly and promote fairness, but above all, consumer health, which is the core focus of this law.
After highlighting key agricultural products in Cameroon which principally include cocoa, coffee, cotton, fruits and vegetables amongst others, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister explained that the absence of a legal framework for local organic farming hinders the competitiveness of these products on the global market. He added that over the past five years, several organic products from Cameroon exported to the European Union have been intercepted and returned as being of substandard quality, primarily due to improper pesticide use by producers. According to the Minister, promoting best practices in organic farming will reduce the consumption of pesticide contaminated foods,...