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.”
The new report highlights major results and achievements to date. The company has trained more than 115,000 farmers in good agricultural practices in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, Indonesia, Brazil and Vietnam as well as established 2,550 Farmer Field Schools to provide training locally. Cargill also established the Coop Academy in Côte d'Ivoire, which provides cooperative leaders with knowledge and skills to grow their businesses. Cargill also has improved access to education for more than 34,000 children in cocoa communities through school build activities, teacher training and providing books.
“Since we launched the Cargill Cocoa Promise, we have been focusing on delivering positive, tangible results,” Mr. De Loor said. “But in order to benefit more farmers and communities, as well as advance our ambition of a transparent supply chain, it is essential we continue to adapt our approach in each origin. The demand for cocoa is rising each year and consumers are increasingly conscious of where their food comes from and how it is produced. This means collaborating more closely with our customers, governments and partners to understand the challenges facing smallholders and measuring the real impacts of activities to ensure we continue to make a bigger difference.”
The company said the Cargill Cocoa Promise has reinforced its 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 uses Cargill’s on-the-ground sourcing network to strengthen farmer organizations and work with communities, governments and NGOs to understand local issues and make tangible, long-term differences.
