Sustainable Cocoa Production
This...
Courtesy of: Sustainable Cocoa Initiative
Not That...
Courtesy of: Ghana Permaculture Institute
I Recently read an article stating there could be a worldwide depletion of cocoa by 2020.
The reason is there are many social, political, and environmental issues plaguing its production. I have given a broad overview of the issue and a few suggestions for how we might resolve them.
Social - 70 percent of the world's cocoa consumption comes from West African countries like Ghana and Nigeria. Most of the supply comes from small, family run farms leaving farmers vulnerable by having no bargaining power when it comes to pricing. Many farmers are only making a few dollars a day. To keep costs down the use of children to produce cocoa is rampant.
Political - These countries are in a constant state of unrest. It has been stated that government officials tamper with information given to outside sources concerning the cocoa industry and its farmers. In 2014 Ebola ravaged the neighboring countries of West Africa, closing down borders for a time. It consequently sent the world's cocoa market prices to rise as much as 12 percent. Due to fears of the depletion of work force and loss of workers who come from neighboring countries.
Environmental - Use of industrial chemicals: To make matters worse because of the use of documented child labor, minors are being exposed, possibly risking the future of the industry.
Why is this important?
It is becoming increasingly important to support companies who are using Fair Trade certifications and are members of coalitions that support sustainable practices. We all benefit in the end with healthier products coming from people who live healthier lives.
Suggestions - Look for a Fair Trade label when buying chocolate or a company that participates or reports on sustainable cocoa initiatives like MARS. The more companies you support that have these principles will make it easier for the smaller ones to follow along.
Companies who support these practices are Mars (industry leader) with commitments, reporting, and initiatives. Hershey, Nestle, Cadbury all report and state some sort of Fair Trade practice. Artisan chocolate is very trendy for the urban dweller. Companies like these all participate and promote these practices, just on a much smaller scale. Just remember because of their buying power the bigger corporations have greater power in all aspects of the cocoa industry. Thus, it is important to choose vendors wisely!
Be Well,
Kim
Courtesy of: Sustainable Cocoa Initiative
Not That...
Courtesy of: Ghana Permaculture Institute
I Recently read an article stating there could be a worldwide depletion of cocoa by 2020.
The reason is there are many social, political, and environmental issues plaguing its production. I have given a broad overview of the issue and a few suggestions for how we might resolve them.
Social - 70 percent of the world's cocoa consumption comes from West African countries like Ghana and Nigeria. Most of the supply comes from small, family run farms leaving farmers vulnerable by having no bargaining power when it comes to pricing. Many farmers are only making a few dollars a day. To keep costs down the use of children to produce cocoa is rampant.
Political - These countries are in a constant state of unrest. It has been stated that government officials tamper with information given to outside sources concerning the cocoa industry and its farmers. In 2014 Ebola ravaged the neighboring countries of West Africa, closing down borders for a time. It consequently sent the world's cocoa market prices to rise as much as 12 percent. Due to fears of the depletion of work force and loss of workers who come from neighboring countries.
Environmental - Use of industrial chemicals: To make matters worse because of the use of documented child labor, minors are being exposed, possibly risking the future of the industry.
Why is this important?
It is becoming increasingly important to support companies who are using Fair Trade certifications and are members of coalitions that support sustainable practices. We all benefit in the end with healthier products coming from people who live healthier lives.
Suggestions - Look for a Fair Trade label when buying chocolate or a company that participates or reports on sustainable cocoa initiatives like MARS. The more companies you support that have these principles will make it easier for the smaller ones to follow along.
Companies who support these practices are Mars (industry leader) with commitments, reporting, and initiatives. Hershey, Nestle, Cadbury all report and state some sort of Fair Trade practice. Artisan chocolate is very trendy for the urban dweller. Companies like these all participate and promote these practices, just on a much smaller scale. Just remember because of their buying power the bigger corporations have greater power in all aspects of the cocoa industry. Thus, it is important to choose vendors wisely!
Be Well,
Kim
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