Sustainable Cocoa
Working toward a more sustainable cocoa ecosystem.1
Helping combat environmental challenges.
In working toward a more sustainable cocoa ecosystem, Mars strives to help look after natural resources for cocoa-growing communities. We’re helping by:
- Aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the cocoa supply chain
- Partnering with organizations to help preserve biodiversity and reduce deforestation
- Helping to foster more resilient cocoa production
Striving toward sustainable cocoa
Thanks to our global network of suppliers and partners, we’re helping to support the future of cocoa. Let’s take a look at some of recent progress.
Supporting agroforestry training
In 2023 alone, in Indonesia, the Mars Cocoa Academy dedicated 131,432 training hours that engaged 641 farmers and participants in agroforestry and agronomy training.
Promoting biodiversity
In 2023, more than 1.8 million new non-cocoa trees were distributed through suppliers for on-farm planting to increase shade and biodiversity.
Helping safeguard forests
By 2023, at least 718,000 hectares in our global supply chain were assessed for deforestation risk, and 99,000+ farmers in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have received forest protection training through suppliers.
Program spotlight
We’re working collaboratively to help improve cocoa production while striving to look after natural resources for cocoa-growing communities.
Investing in agricultural practices
Mars has begun investing in climate-resilient2 agricultural work in Latin America related to agroforestry systems, aerobic composting, the use of biochar, the use of low GHG fertilizers, better cocoa varieties, grafting, and pruning across various origins. These practices can help cocoa withstand the effects of climate change.
RESTORE
Mars is a partner on Resilient Ecosystems and Sustainable Transformation of Rural Economies (RESTORE), a program implemented by the Rainforest Alliance and ofi, and which seeks to increase tree cover and help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Field app to verify suspected deforestation
Mars created a field survey application that helps verify suspected deforestation. The app serves two main purposes: establishing cocoa tree origins and validating land use history. The app is available via the World Cocoa Foundation website(Opens a new window).
Stories from farming communities
A view of cocoa trees at the Mars La Chola research farm in Ecuador.
Innovation testing at La Chola
“During 2023, we saw unusual weather with larger amounts of rain than the average, leading to adverse conditions for cocoa trees and increasing pest & disease incidence. We were able to reduce the impact by applying our scouting program and managing this challenge on time. This showed how new technologies can help build resilience in cocoa cultivation and for farmers.”
—Felipe Bermudez, Site Director, Mars La Chola Research Farm
Diversified Cocoa Agroforestry Training, courtesy I4DI
Diversified Cocoa Agroforestry program
“Thanks to the work we’ve done with ACTIVE and Mars, I now feel optimistic about the future of cocoa farming in my village. The real turning point came when we decided to integrate the Diversified Cocoa Agroforestry (DCA) program into the village budget, so the initiative had the necessary resources for long-term success.”
—Sainal, a Village Head in East Luwu, Indonesia
Footnotes
1.At Mars, we recognize that the global cocoa supply chain faces many complex and interconnected risks and challenges, especially in regions of West Africa. Although Mars does not own or operate any cocoa farms in West Africa, it does purchase cocoa sourced from all over the world, including West Africa. Mars is making investments in various programs with the goal of helping to combat the risks of human rights abuses, climate change and threats to forests, among other things. Ultimately, no one actor can combat these risks alone—lasting progress will depend on collective action from governments, corporations, NGOs, and all stakeholders in the cocoa industry.
2. When we say climate-resilient practices we mean practices that can help cocoa withstand the effects of climate change. These can include agroforestry, shade trees, and fertigation, which can help with drought resistance, as well as practices that help protect against potential future threats, such as diseases spreading in new regions.