Cargill joins efforts to increase cocoa productivity in Pará while restoring forest areas

Cargill, in partnership with the non-profit organization Imaflora, is implementing two projects to support cocoa producers in Pará that are designed to increase their productivity through environmental conservation actions and good agricultural practices. The projects are expected to help 150 families in São Felix do Xingu, who are part of the Cooperative Alternativa Mista dos Pequenos Produtores do Alto Xingu (CAMPPAX), by restoring approximately 740 acres of degraded farmland to increase and diversify revenues of farmers. In addition, in Medicilândia, more than 50 producers will be trained on best-in-class cultivation techniques and efficient use of farming products to meet the standards of sustainable cocoa production. The initiatives are in line with Cargill’s global sustainability goals, focused on the economic and social prosperity of farmers and the protection of forests.

Imaflora is focused on strengthening the cocoa production chain, encouraging education and supporting public policies to combat illegal deforestation. Cargill’s financial and management support is essential to strengthen the actions associated with the production chain and environmental sustainability. “We have been operating in São Felix do Xingu for ten years, and we see that these projects are very important for improving production conditions while restoring degraded areas, with the help of agriculture experts as resources,” says Eduardo Trevisan Gonçalves, project manager at Imaflora.

Cargill is focusing its efforts at the start of the supply chain because it is where some of the most pressing challenges originate. It is also where working together can make the greatest impact. “Everything always comes down to how we create lasting benefits for cocoa farmers, their families and communities.  We want to empower them to own their futures and achieve their own business success. This aligns with our global sustainability strategy and is part of Cargill’s Protect Our Planet Strategic Action Plan,” explains Laerte Moraes, managing director Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate in Brazil.

Cocoa is a species native to the Amazon, and when combined with other native species, offers an economically viable system that increases the resilience of cocoa while promoting plant cover on agricultural land and conserving biodiversity. “We believe in a collective approach in which everyone has a role to play, and we recognize the value of sharing best practice, developing initiatives that complement other people’s activities and working closely with key partners who know the local context and culture. It is by working together, around projects like Floresta Produtiva and Farmer Coaching, that we will help farmers to prosper as we increase the productivity of sustainable cocoa in Pará,” added Laerte Moraes.

The Floresta Produtiva (Productive Forest) project involves 150 producers supporting the implementation of Agroforestry Systems (SAFs) and the environmental sustainability of the properties under the Brazilian Forest Code. It provides seedlings of native species from the Amazon biome and farming products to produce cocoa seedlings; technical assistance to producers for the elaboration of the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR); Recovery Plan for Degraded and Altered Areas, and training of producers in environmental management.

The Farmer Coaching project includes training more than 50 producers to become ambassadors of good practices in sustainable cocoa production throughout the region. Among the techniques taught are pruning instructions, efficient use of fertilizers, disease control, fermentation, work safety, correct application of farming products and use of individual safety equipment.

Both projects are part of the Cargill Cocoa Promise, our commitment to enabling farmers and their communities to achieve better incomes and living standards, launched in 2012. “As with all Cargill Cocoa Promise initiatives, our operations in Brazil aim to increase social, economic and environmental impact of small cocoa producers and their families to secure the future of the cocoa chain in a more responsible and sustainable way,” emphasized Moraes.

Cargill’s 160,000 employees across 70 countries work relentlessly to achieve our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Every day, we connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need to thrive. We combine 154 years of experience with new technologies and insights to serve as a trusted partner for food, agriculture, financial and industrial customers in more than 125 countries. Side-by-side, we are building a stronger, sustainable future for agriculture.

Cargill has been in Brazil since 1965; today the company is one of the largest food companies in the country. Based in São Paulo, SP, the company is present in 17 Brazilian states. Cargill has plants and branch offices in nearly 191 municipalities nationwide and employs more than 10,000 people. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.cargill.com and central de notícias.

Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate business offers the food industry a wide range of both standard and customized cocoa and chocolate ingredients for use in delicious bakery, confectionery and dairy applications all over the world. The company’s product range includes high quality Gerkens^® cocoa powders, chocolate, coatings, fillings, cocoa liquors and cocoa butters. With years of experience in technical food expertise Cargill supports its customers in new recipes and new product development.

Cargill’s processing plants in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, the Netherlands, UK and the USA are in full compliance with the highest food safety standards.

To secure a good quality and sustainable supply of cocoa beans, Cargill has its own cocoa bean sourcing operations for buying, handling and exporting of cocoa beans in Brazil, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Indonesia. Presence in all the leading producing countries allows Cargill to oversee the supply chain from beans at origin to cocoa and chocolate products on its customers’ doorsteps. In addition, extensive market research and analysis proves to be a source of valuable information to customers.
More information is available at www.cargillcocoachocolate.com/