Cargill increases sustainable cocoa sourcing in Ghana

Global food company Cargill has revealed that the sourcing of sustainable cocoa in Ghana has doubled since the introduction of its licensed buying company (LBC) model.

The sourcing levels have increased by 30% from 10,000 years ago, and more than 13,000 cocoa farmers are now benefiting.

Under its LBC model, Cargill sources and purchases cocoa directly from certified farmers, which helps to build stronger relationships with the farmers, as well as with their communities.

Cargill Ghana Cocoa and Chocolate business managing director Pieter Reichert said: “Direct sourcing puts cocoa farmers at the heart of our business, and it means Cargill has become the partner of choice for cocoa farmers in Ghana.

“Farmers are recognising that, as well as a higher income, our approach offers them a wide range of support services to help them improve the quality and quantity of cocoa beans produced.

“Such services delivered under our Cargill Cocoa Promise include one-on-one agricultural coaching, farmer field schools, high-quality seedlings and resources for pest and disease management.

“The model benefits everyone in the supply chain – farmers, who’s livelihoods improve, and Cargill and our customers, who have access to more certified cocoa.”

Cargill released the data as the company plans to make its second sustainable premium payment of $870,000 to farmers since establishing its own direct sourcing model in 2016.

These premium payments currently represent the highest payments paid per bag of certified cocoa in the industry for the 2017/2018 crop season in Ghana.

The company is currently operating in seven districts of the Western North, and Ashanti.

Following the success of the LBC, four further districts are set to join the initiative for the next crop season.