(Ecofin Agency) - For the cocoa campaign that begins in Côte d'Ivoire, the farmer price will be FCFA 1,000 the kilogram. This increase of around 20% compared to the farm gate price of the previous season fulfils a promise made by President Alassane Outtara.

On the producers' side, it is time to celebrate and all rejoice about this decision which allows them eventually to improve their living standard. "It is unheard of. We can make a living now from our cocoa", confided Germain Yapi, one of them, to AFP.

The increase, which according to the Ivorian President brings the producer price up to a historic new record, occurs while the country has consolidated its position as cocoa world leader with a production of 1.73 million tons at the end of the 2014 season. A sign of the importance of the Ivorian nation in this sector, Côte d'Ivoire will host the headquarters of the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) from now on.