Cargill has released its first global progress report on its activities to support cocoa farmers, communities and the development of a sustainable global cocoa supply chain.
The report entitled A thriving cocoa sector for generations to come highlights the progress the company has made since its work began over a decade ago and the Cargill Cocoa Promise was launched in 2012 to align its efforts.
“Our ambition is to accelerate progress towards a supply chain that is transparent, enables farmers to achieve better incomes and living standards, and delivers a sustainable supply of cocoa and chocolate products”, said Jos de Loor, president of Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate business.
“We believe educated, empowered and successful farmers are essential to meeting the challenges facing the cocoa and chocolate sector. This report shows how we are making a difference but also highlights the progress we still need to make.”
Improving livelihood of farmers, sustainable cocoa supply
The Cargill Cocoa Promise has reinforced the company’s global commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers, their families and their communities, and to securing a long-term, sustainable supply of cocoa.
The global program is taking a local approach by using the company’s on-the-ground sourcing network to strengthen farmer organizations and work with communities, governments and non-government organizations to understand local issues and make tangible, long-term differences.
The Cocoa Promise is addressing key challenges in the sector including the need to increase yields and incomes for farmers; improve access to training, infrastructure and finance; improve access to education and healthcare in communities; and regenerate farmland.
Report highlights
The report lists major results and achievements to date, which include:
• More than 115,000 farmers are trained in good agricultural practices in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, Indonesia, Brazil and Vietnam.
• 2,550 Farmer Field Schools were established globally to provide training and knowledge sharing locally.
• 77,000 farmers and more than 342,201 hectares are certified through farmer cooperatives and organizations.
• Establishing the Coop Academy in Côte d’Ivoire – a program to provide cooperative leaders with knowledge and skills to grow their businesses more successfully.
•US$25 million of certification premiums paid to farmer cooperatives – 50% directly benefits farmers while remainder invested by farmer organizations in local communities.
• 25.3 million seedlings distributed to support growth in cocoa production, particularly in Brazil.
• Improved access to education for more than 34,000 children in cocoa communities through school build activities, training teachers and providing books.
