US agribusiness giant Cargill has launched a Cocoa Promise pledge that it says strengthens its global commitment to cocoa farmers.
Cargill said the programme, launched today (21 October), builds on its work over the past ten years and reinforces the company's global commitment in three areas: training cocoa farmers; supporting cocoa farming communities; and investing in the long-term sustainable production of cocoa.
"The Cargill Cocoa Promise underlines our commitment to lead efforts on sustainable cocoa and support the future of cocoa farming around the world," said Jos De Loor, president of Cargill's cocoa and chocolate business. "We have been working closely with cocoa farmers and communities for many years. Our Promise will help strengthen cocoa production - while continuing to improve the livelihoods of farmers, increasing access to education and healthcare in local communities, and providing better access to technology, finance and infrastructure."
Cargill said it is on target to source over 100,000 tonnes of certified sustainable cocoa beans from Côte d'Ivoire by 2015 - making its programme "the largest of its kind in the country".
