Indonesia Seeks to Boost Cocoa Beans Output With New Export Levy

Indonesia is imposing an additional levy on exports of cocoa beans to boost funding for farmer support programs aimed at increasing commodity production.

The new rates, which take effect on Oct. 22, are set between 2.5% to 7.5% of the so-called reference price, and are payable to the Plantation Fund Management Agency, according to a finance ministry decree posted on its website. The agency is tasked with running a replanting program, building cocoa seedling nurseries, and providing sustainability training for farmers to halt production declines caused by aging trees and pest infestations.

A separate export tax, set at lower rates, ...