Cocoa Production

The bitter side of chocolate – Newberry Observer
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The bitter side of chocolate – Newberry Observer

ByEyes on Trafficking News

Chocolate is often hailed as an aphrodisiac and Americans seem to have quite the love affair with the sweet confection in all its forms. Charles M. Schulz best summed up America’s love of chocolate when he said, “all you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” Chocolate originated in Central…

Fairtrade expands human rights requirements in updated Cocoa Standard
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Fairtrade expands human rights requirements in updated Cocoa Standard

ByEyes on Trafficking News

Despite decades of commitments from companies and governments, cocoa production still entails considerable social and environmental harm around the world, but robust certification systems have the potential to help companies source more sustainable cocoa.   This week, Fairtrade announced its updated Cocoa Standard ahead of upcoming sustainability and due diligence legislation. The reinforced focus on…

Chocolate can’t be sustainable until companies pay a living income price for cocoa
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Chocolate can’t be sustainable until companies pay a living income price for cocoa

ByEyes on Trafficking News

As the European Union develops new rules to hold companies accountable for social and environmental harms, such as deforestation and child and forced labor, the spotlight is on the chocolate industry.  Cocoa production is notorious for causing adverse impacts on farming communities and the land. Companies and governments claim to be working to make cocoa more…

Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana increase premium for cocoa to tackle farmer poverty
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Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana increase premium for cocoa to tackle farmer poverty

ByEyes on Trafficking News

Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, the global leaders in cocoa production, have raised the premium that chocolate manufacturers and trading companies pay for their cocoa. The increase is part of wider efforts to reduce farmer poverty, which in turn helps to address child labor and trafficking.   Moving out of negative numbers  Ghana has increased its…