Nigerian cocoa farmers get financial reward for sustainability

Barry Callebaut Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, has kickstarted an initiative in Nigeria to reward and celebrate farmers who have shown a high level of commitment in supporting sustainable cocoa farming.

Under the program, the management of Barry Callebaut Nigeria will pay an additional premium totaling 26 million Naira (CHF 38,999) for deliveries of sustainable cocoa beans in the 2021-2022 season in Ondo and Cross River states.

This significant initiative is in line with the objectives of the Cocoa Horizons program, the company’s program aiming at improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities through the promotion of sustainable, entrepreneurial farming, improved productivity, and community development.

Through Cocoa Horizons, Barry Callebaut continues to work closely with local farmers on how to improve their yields, shun cocoa farming activities in protected areas and support “Zero Child Labor” programs.

Recently over 1,000 farmers in Nigeria/Akure & Ikom participated in awareness-raising training courses addressing critical child labor issues.

Adriaan Verbeke, Managing Director of Barry Callebaut in Nigeria, affirmed the company’s commitment to continue supporting cocoa farmers in every Nigerian region where families’ well-being is based on their cocoa activities.

“We are very appreciative of the farmers who have engaged in our Cocoa Horizons program and look forward to supporting them further to improve their livelihoods and their communities. We plan to extend the Cocoa Horizons program to farmers in other regions of Nigeria in the coming 2022-2023 season starting in October 2022. Barry Callebaut is demonstrating its long-term commitment to the Nigerian cocoa sector, its farmers and local buying agents through this program.

“Together we can grow the sector and improve the livelihoods of the farmers and other stakeholders in the cocoa supply chain,” he said.