A group of 15 lead cocoa farmers, including two women, from 10 districts of the Sepik Region participated in a week-long study tour to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB). The study tour was facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the European Union-funded STREIT PNG Programme. AROB was chosen as the destination because it is known for its high-quality cocoa beans and well-managed cocoa blocks. The main objective of the study tour was to expose the Sepik farmers to different aspects of the cocoa value chain in Bougainville and to enable them to learn from successful cocoa producers, businesses, and entrepreneurs. The Sepik farmers had the opportunity to visit various cocoa farms, cooperatives, processing facilities, and markets in Bougainville. They met with thriving cocoa producers, business owners and entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and advice on cocoa block management, cocoa business development, and farm business diversification beyond cocoa farming by venturing into other businesses such as tourism, poultry, and fishing. The Sepik farmers also gained knowledge on cocoa quality assessment, semi-processing, processing, and marketing. They saw how some cooperatives aggregate their cocoa beans efficiently and supply them to exporters or domestic food manufacturers. They also learned about the importance of producing consistent quality cocoa beans to access premium markets. The study tour coincided with the Bougainville Chocolate Festival 2023, which was held on Buka Island. The study tour was an eye-opening and inspirational experience for the Sepik farmers, who interacted with various stakeholders in the cocoa value chain in Bougainville. “For me, treating cocoa farming as a serious business is something I’ve learned.” “Also, the population here in general have the right mindset and attitude and these are some valuable lessons to take back from this exposure visit,” said Sussie Noguru of the Bogumatai Women Cooperative Society of East Sepik Province.