Environmental Stewardship Case Studies
We are mindful of managing the environmental impact of our activities in the countries and rural areas where we operate. Much of this stewardship is supported by the Initiatives we manage in partnership with other parties. We have chosen some examples to demonstrate how this works on the ground in one specific supply chain – cocoa.
There are two ways to meet the growing demand for chocolate – further deforestation and conversion of remaining forests for farmland or improving the performance of existing farms. Olam is collaborating with partners to prevent this forest loss and threat to biodiversity by reinvesting in areas already under cultivation to develop a sustainable cocoa supply chain.
Olam and Rainforest Alliance Climate Cocoa Partnership for REDD+ Preparation
This initiative is led by Olam and Rainforest Alliance (RA), supported by two international donors, USAID and NORAID. Olam and RA are starting an agribusiness model that will feed results into national REDD+ discussions and Low Carbon Development Plans in Ghana, focusing on climate change mitigation. Cocoa communities can be engaged in future REDD+ income opportunities once a group of farmers is convinced of the benefits of certification and climate friendly farming practices.
Key aspects:
- Participating farmers will undergo full training in producing RA cocoa
- A detailed climate training module will be incorporated as a standard within the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agricultural Network
- Farmer-friendly tools to estimate on-farm biomass, conduct tree inventories, calculate carbon stocks and estimate and monitor greenhouse gas emissions will be developed and farmers trained to design and implement farm adaptation plans
Kakum Conservation Cocoa Initiative
This initiative is led by Olam and Conservation Alliance, supported by RA. Cocoa yields in the north of the Western Region are currently the highest in Ghana, but this yield is not sustainable. Hybrids have been introduced which require higher levels of soil nutrients, leading to increased application rates of fertilisers, insecticides and fungicides. Corrective farmer action is therefore essential.Key aspects:
- Produce fully certified RA cocoa to enhance production practices and improve incomes
- Re-establish shade trees within cocoa farms
- Train farmers to apply the principles of ‘Integrated Pest Management’ practices, focusing on biological control and use of crop-resistant varieties
- Read our latest press release on the World’s First Climate Friendly Cocoa here
