Barry Callebaut expands its sustainability program in Indonesia to scale impact and drive change in the cocoa communities.
In the last three years, Barry Callebaut has been able to enjoy a growing traction with smallholder farmers through collaborations with industry customers and development agencies such as Swisscontact.
Through the teaching and practical demonstration of good agricultural practices, farmers are better taking up the challenges of cocoa farming.
For example, educating the farmers on pruning, grafting, and replanting, as well as teaching proper pest control and disease management, is helping increase crop productivity, resulting in higher incomes and better livelihoods.
The expansion of the program will:
–Increase the number of Indonesian farmers trained in good agricultural practice from 20,000 to 50,000 by 2020,
–More than double the field staff implementing projects on the ground – from 70 to around 150 employees – within the next 18 months,
–Increase the number of nurseries to help replace the aging cocoa trees.
Barry Callebaut has developed 25 nurseries with a capacity of 130,000 seedlings.
By 2018, 50 nurseries will grow up to one million seedlings per year,
–Generate more income for the cocoa farmers who deliver certified cocoa.
Farmer premiums amounting to nearly US$1 million were handed out in Indonesia over the last three years.
Premium payments are expected to double in the next two years, and
–Extend sustainability activities beyond Sulawesi to Sumatra and Bali.
Beyond the existing Cocoa Learning Center in Tanah Datar (West Sumatra), Barry Callebaut plans to build more such teaching facilities that comprise a clone garden, a farming area for cocoa seedlings, and a teaching space.
The extension of Barry Callebaut’s sustainability activities in Indonesia, the world’s third largest cocoa bean grower, is aligned with its business expansion in the country.
The company employs more than 500 employees and operates two cocoa factories, with one chocolate and compound factory due to be opened later this year.
