Barry Callebaut joins UTZ CERTIFIED Cocoa Program

UTZ CERTIFIED is pleased to welcome Barry Callebaut to its Cocoa program. Barry Callebaut joins a number of other companies and NGOs all of whom are working with UTZ CERTIFIED towards sustainability in mainstream cocoa production. The aim of the UTZ CERTIFIED Cocoa Program is to ensure professional practices in cocoa production with respect for people and environment. It enables small-scale farmers to improve their farming practices, thereby producing a higher quality crop with increased productivity. Farmers benefit from a higher income based on the principle “a better price for a better product” and participants throughout the supply chain can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable cocoa farming. UTZ CERTIFIED works closely with Dutch development organization Solidaridad, which organizes training and support to cocoa farmers. Furthermore, the program is backed by Oxfam Novib and WWF International and receives support from the Dutch Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH). The UTZ CERTIFIED Code of Conduct for Cocoa, launched earlier this year, sets out a number of economic, environmental and social factors and requires intense farmer training to bring producers to the required level. With the commitment of buyers and the support of host governments, the challenge will be to reach out to the many small farmers and involve them as professionals in the global supply chain for responsible cocoa.

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