Sustainable cocoa farming in Indonesia
Cargill’s Cocoa and Chocolate business has teamed up with international development agency Swisscontact and the Soppeng Regency Government to implement the Cargill Cocoa Promise in the Soppeng Regency of South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia.
The Cargill Cocoa Promise demonstrates the firm’s commitment to developing a sustainable cocoa supply chain by improving the lives of cocoa farmers and supporting cocoa farming communities.
Swisscontact is supporting the field implementation of the programme to promote local development of farmers and to stimulate cooperation. As Indonesia is the world’s third largest cocoa producer, the program strengthens Cargill’s intention to scale up its cocoa operations and increase value of the cocoa beans produced in Indonesia to help meet the increasing demand for cocoa across Asia.
The Cargill Cocoa Promise in Soppeng Regency will aim to provide a flexible and low cost technology transfer system for cocoa farmers as well as to train farmers in good agricultural practices. It will also help establish farmers’ organisations that will play a crucial role in the administration and certification of cocoa crops.
Pither Sutardji, Cocoa Sourcing Manager, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate said: “Cargill’s Cocoa Promise in Soppeng Regency is beneficial for both local farmers and our customers. Improving farmers’ productivity and bean quality means farmers’ profitability will increase and the living standards of farmers and their families will improve. It will also help us achieve our goal to develop a sustainable cocoa supply chain and improve the quality of cocoa for our customers.”
