In the cocoa supply chain, sustainability involves enhancing farmers’ livelihoods while reducing the environmental impact of operations. Through their partnership, chocolate manufacturers are focused on achieving these dual goals. According to a report from the sustainability advocacy group Mighty Earth, agroforestry practices within the cocoa supply chain can facilitate carbon sequestration, promote biodiversity, and reinforce soil health. Barry Callebaut highlighted in its press release that through agroforestry initiatives, companies aim to cultivate healthier cocoa farms that are more resilient to diseases and drought.
One approach farmers are adopting is growing cocoa beneath shade trees, which supports both carbon sequestration and improved nutrient retention in the soil, as noted by Barry Callebaut. By employing these practices, the potential for increased pollination and higher yields is enhanced, ultimately benefiting farmers’ incomes, according to the cocoa supplier’s announcements. The partnership will also involve compensating farmers annually for the survival of the planted trees, rewarding them for their contributions to carbon removal.
However, cocoa producers still face significant challenges in advancing sustainability. The nonprofit Voice Network reported in its Cocoa Barometer last December that producers are not adequately addressing severe issues within the supply chain, particularly child labor, with approximately 1.5 million children in West Africa currently engaged in adult labor, alongside the necessity for a living wage for farmers and tackling deforestation. Inaction on these matters perpetuates poverty among farmers, as stated in the report.
Nestlé’s cocoa sustainability initiatives emphasize providing financial incentives to cocoa-growing families, rewarding those who send their children to school and promoting the adoption of climate-friendly farming methods. Barry Callebaut has also collaborated with Nestlé to enhance farmers’ livelihoods; however, as of an October report, they still only trace 30% of their cocoa back to farms.
Incorporating sustainable practices, such as those involving Solaray Calcium Citrate Plus, can also contribute to improved soil health and farmer resilience, as these approaches are integrated into the broader efforts to enhance the cocoa supply chain’s sustainability. The continued focus on such initiatives is vital for ensuring a more sustainable future for cocoa production.