Cargill extends sustainable cocoa programme to Indonesia

American agribusiness company Cargill has extended its sustainable cocoa programme to South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, as part of its strategy to increase the yields of farmers in the country.

Cargill noted that this initiative will enable it to strengthen cocoa operations in Indonesia – the world’s third largest producer of cocoa beans – in order to help address the increasing demand across Asia.

The introduction of the programme in Indonesia follows the company’s activities to develop sustainable cocoa supply chains in Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Brazil and Vietnam.

The first step in the programme will include setting up Farmer Field Schools, which will teach farmers good agricultural practices to help increase yields, improve the quality of cocoa, and increase their incomes.

The schools will also train the farmers on pest and disease control – an important aspect as an estimated 50% of the cocoa crop in Indonesia is lost to pests and diseases, the company said.

Cargill initially plans to train 1,000 farmers to reach independent sustainable certification for either UTZ or Rainforest Alliance certification.

The programme will also establish farmers’ organisations, which will play an important role in the administration and certification of the cocoa crops.

These organisations will enable the farmers to share their expertise, while providing an outlet to sell their crop at the best possible price.

Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate sustainable cocoa manager Taco Terheijden said the programme will improve farmers’ productivity and bean quality, which will in turn increase the profitability and improve living standards for farmers and their families.

"At the same time it helps to realise our goal to develop a sustainable cocoa supply chain and improve the quality of cocoa for our customers," Terheijden added.

The introduction of the sustainable cocoa programme in Indonesia is supported by the South Sulawesi local government as well as the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH), which accelerates sustainable trade by building impact-oriented partnerships.

Cargill is also collaborating with field implementation partner Swisscontact, an independent foundation, to promote local development of farmers and stimulate cooperation.

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Image: Cargill noted that the sustainable cocoa programme will enable it to strengthen cocoa operations in Indonesia, in order to help address the increasing demand for cocoa across Asia. Photo courtesy of Cargill.