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Cocoa Horizons Program To Cover More Regions In Nigeria

As Barry Callebaut rewards sustainable cocoa producers

Barry Callebaut as part of its efforts to promote sustainable cocoa production has commenced a program intended to reward farmers who show a high level of commitment to supporting sustainable cocoa farming in Nigeria.

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

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

The managing director of Barry Callebaut Nigeria, Adriaan Verbeke, reiterated the company’s commitment to continue supporting cocoa farmers in every Nigerian region where the well-being of families 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,” said Verbeke.

He hinted at plans to extend the Cocoa Horizons program to farmers in other regions of Nigeria in the upcoming 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,” stated the MD of Barry Callebaut Nigeria.

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

Recently over 1,000 farmers in Akure and Ikom in Nigeria participated in an awareness creation training program addressing critical child labour issues.

 

Amanda Hayford
Source Cocoa Post
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