Empowering cocoa farmers through certification – premium payments continue to improve livelihoods in cocoa communities

Premium payments for certified sustainable cocoa are continuing to make a significant contribution to improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities, as well as meeting the growing demand for sustainably sourced cocoa and chocolate.

U.S. $19 million was paid to farmers in Côte d’Ivoire, Brazil, Cameroon, Ghana and Indonesia during 2014, bringing the total to U.S. $44 million paid to date under the Cargill Cocoa Promise. The premiums, which are achieved by farmers for selling their UTZ, Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade certified cocoa beans, are funded by confectionery and food manufacturers and retailers and are positively supporting the ongoing development of a sustainable cocoa supply chain.

“Premium payments and cocoa certification remain a valuable catalyst in making progress towards a sustainable cocoa supply chain. We are proud to be part of this process and to see the positive developments in the sector. Not only are the cocoa farmers and their communities benefitting from higher incomes and better health and education, at the same time manufacturers, retailers and consumers can be confident about where their cocoa is coming from and how it is being produced”, said Taco Terheijden, Director Cocoa Sustainability at Cargill.

The premium payments are made to certified farmer cooperatives with 50 percent going directly to individual farmer members, and the remainder being invested in projects by the farmer organisation to boost productivity, farm development and benefit the community.

“Farmer organisations play a critical role in improving farmer livelihoods and the living standards of local communities, as well as supporting the long-term future of sustainable cocoa”, continued Taco Terheijden. “Our insights prove that premiums paid directly to farmer organisations play a critical role for them to take their destiny in their own hands. While we continue to see a growing demand for sustainable cocoa from our customers it is essential that we share the impact these premiums are making.”