Barry Callebaut Extends Sustainability Activities for Cocoa Farmers in Indonesia

“Barry Callebaut champions the development of sustainable cocoa farming and, more broadly, a fully sustainable chocolate value chain,” said Nicko Debenham, Barry Callebaut’s Vice President for Global Cocoa Sustainability. “We have a long-standing commitment in Indonesia and we are excited to take an increasing role to help shape a sustainable chocolate and cocoa future in this important cocoa producing country.”

 

In the last three years, Barry Callebaut has been able to enjoy a growing traction with smallholder farmers through meaningful collaborations with industry customers and development agencies such as Swisscontact.

 

Through the teaching and practical demonstration of good agricultural practices, farmers are better taking up the challenges of cocoa farming. For example, educating the farmers on pruning, grafting, and replanting, as well as teaching proper pest control and disease management, is helping increase crop productivity, resulting in higher incomes and better livelihoods.

 

The expansion of the program will:
• Increase the number of Indonesian farmers trained in good agricultural practice from 20,000 to 50,000 by 2020.
• More than double the field staff implementing projects on the ground – from 70 to around 150 employees – within the next 18 months.
• Increase the number of nurseries to help replace the aging cocoa trees. Barry Callebaut has already developed 25 nurseries with a capacity of 130,000 seedlings. By 2018, 50 nurseries will grow up to 1 million seedlings per year.
• Generate more income for the cocoa farmers who deliver certified cocoa. Farmer premiums amounting to nearly USD 1 million were handed out in Indonesia over the last 3 years. Premium payments are expected to double in the next two years.
• Extend sustainability activities beyond Sulawesi to Sumatra and Bali. Beyond the existing Cocoa Learning Center in Tanah Datar (West Sumatra), Barry Callebaut plans to build more such teaching facilities that comprise a clone garden, a farming area for cocoa seedlings, and a teaching space.

 

The extension of Barry Callebaut’s sustainability activities in Indonesia, the world’s third largest cocoa bean grower, is aligned with its business expansion in the country. The company employs more than 500 employees and operates two cocoa factories, with one chocolate and compound factory due to be opened later this year.

 

Commenting on the increased sustainability activities in Indonesia, Edmund Ee, Barry Callebaut’s President Cocoa Asia Pacific, said: “Processing cocoa beans in origin countries such as Indonesia generates local employment and makes our supply chain more efficient. We still have a long way to make our business and value chain fully sustainable. It’s important for us to take all necessary actions so that in the near future, we are able to source 100 percent sustainable cocoa for our production in Indonesia.”

 

Most of Asia’s cocoa is grown in Indonesia, the world’s third largest producer. As a result, Barry Callebaut’s farmer training and support activities in the region focus on Indonesia.

 

The unique R&D center in Selborne, Malaysia, provides cutting-edge insights into sustainable cocoa farming practices, which are then integrated into cocoa curriculum to continuously improve farm performance.