Start of sustainability initiative for a mainstream cocoa chain
10/10/2007 16:18
Schuttelaar & Partners B.V.
10 October 2007
Cargill, Heinz Benelux, Ahold, UTZ CERTIFIED and Solidaridad have initiated a programme for a more sustainable cocoa chain in Ivory Coast. Oxfam Novib supports this initiative. The final goal is to achieve more sustainability in mainstream cocoa production. This will be achieved by capacity building at farm level and independent certification of improved social and environmental practices. The initiators are actively seeking co-operation with other interested companies in the cocoa chain.
Lucas Simons, Director of New Programs UTZ CERTIFIED: "The cocoa sector, just like the coffee sector, is facing challenges in terms of social responsibility and the environment. Independent certification and transparency are important instruments for sustainable production, rural development and poverty reduction. Our experience in mainstream coffee certification and traceability, and the commitment of the other parties involved, are a solid base for a sustainable cocoa sector."
The project partners are currently working on the development of a Code of Conduct and a traceability system for sustainable cocoa production. Both local and international non-governmental organisations and different stakeholders in the cocoa chain (from producer to retailer) will be involved in this process. Ivory Coast is Europe's largest cocoa supplier. The sustainability criteria in the Code of Conduct will be put into practice through pilot projects in 2008. Local cocoa farmers will be closely involved in setting up and evaluating the criteria.
Much effort will be put in capacity building. Together with local partners Solidaridad will develop a network of agronomists and independent certifiers. The first independent certifiers have to be trained by the end of 2008. In the following years UTZ CERTIFIED intends to roll out its learnings and certification programme also in other cocoa producing countries.
To improve farm practices and transparency in the cocoa chain, UTZ CERTIFIED is involved in this project as an independent, international non-profit organisation. Cargill is an important buyer and processor of cocoa beans from Ivory Coast. Heinz Benelux uses cocoa in its local brands De Ruijter, Venz and Kwatta. Ahold uses cocoa in several private labels. Solidaridad en Oxfam Novib are committed to provide content specific expertise.
http://www.utzcertified.org