Cargill extends its world leading sustainable cocoa programme to Indonesia

Cargill has officially extended its sustainable cocoa programme to South Sulawesi province, Indonesia – an important step in developing sustainable cocoa production and increasing the yields of farmers in Indonesia – the world’s third largest producer of cocoa beans.

This launch in Indonesia builds on the ongoing success of Cargill’s activities to develop sustainable cocoa supply chains in Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Brazil and Vietnam.

The first step in Cargill’s program will establish Farmer Field Schools to teach farmers good agricultural practices to help improve yields, enhance the quality of cocoa and increase their incomes. The Farmer Field Schools will also train farmers on best practices for pest and disease control – an important element in Indonesia where currently it is estimated over 50% of the cocoa crop is lost to pests and diseases according to Cargill’s Crop Research Analysts.

Commenting on the launch of the programme, Hamsah, a farmer from the Abadi Jaya Farmer Organisation in South Sulawesi province, said: “By using the information and techniques learned through the Farmer Field Schools I will be able to have a healthier farm with higher yields, and ultimately by becoming certified I will receive a premium payment for my crop.”

www.cargill.com