More than 15 lead farmers under Shadowes Cocoa Reviver Limited- an organization established in partnership with the NGIP-Agmark Group of Company based in Kabaira, Gazelle District, East New Britain province, have successfully completed a Quality Cocoa Assessor Course Training.

The one-week program began on February 9th and concluded on February 13th, 2026.

This initiative was co-funded by the PACD project, the Cocoa Board of PNG, and the organization itself, serving as a key component of the Shadowes Matching Grant under the PACD Cocoa project.

The participants represent various zones across three local-level governments in the Gazelle District including, Livuan, Inland Baining, and Lassul Baining.

Facilitated by the Cocoa Export and Quality Assurance Section of the PNG Cocoa Board, the course covers essential topics such as cocoa inspection and regulation, registration requirements for fermentarians and exporters, cocoa production, the Cocoa Act, and processing techniques.

Following the theory sessions, participants will engage in hands-on practicals to reinforce their learning.

The core focus for Shadowes Cocoa Reviver Limited is to teach farmers how to evaluate cocoa beans, enforce quality standards, and identify defects to ensure a high-value product.

During the opening ceremony, Albina Rarau, the NGI Regional Coordinator for the Cocoa Board of PNG, commended the farmers for their dedication.

She noted that the training was a direct result of the farmers’ interest and commitment.

“We all know that cocoa is an export commodity, and it is enacted and the government has recognized these works and put in some laws or policies that we officers like us to enforce to the farmers levels,” Ms. Rarau stated.

She further explained that the training equips farmers with skills ranging from nursery establishment to post-harvest processes.

“It is vital that our farmers use quality planting materials certified by the Cocoa Board and apply proper fermentation and drying techniques to produce fine-flavour cocoa that can compete in the niche market,” she added.

Upon completion of the course, participants received certificates and returned to their respective cluster groups to share their newfound knowledge with other growers.

Ms. Rarau expressed her gratitude to the PACD Cocoa project, the Cocoa Board team, and the post-harvest team for supporting programs that sustain the growth of the industry in Papua New Guinea.

Meanwhile, Chairman Nicholas Kola, highlighted that the organization aims to export directly to international markets in the future, making this training a significant milestone.

He observed that the participants are deeply engaged and appreciative of the information.

“The farmers find the sessions very interesting, and they have learned many things they did not know before.”

“The organisation will reschedule their programs and move the lead farmers to different zones so more farmers can benefit and learn from them as well.”

“This will help them produce quality cocoa and bring the shared vision of exporting closer to reality.”