Cargill Reports Progress in Forest Protection and Restoration in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire

Cargill's second annual report on the Cocoa & Forests Initiative (CFI), released in September 2021, details advancements in protecting forests and restoring landscapes in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. The company is utilizing technological solutions, including GPS polygon mapping of farms and digital traceability systems, to support sustainable cocoa sourcing and forest preservation.

The report indicates that Cargill has mapped 70% of supply chain farms in Côte d’Ivoire and 76% in Ghana. This data enables the identification and management of deforestation risks, particularly for farms located near protected areas. Digital tools, such as Cargill's barcode system in Ghana and cooperative management systems in Côte d’Ivoire, are used to trace cocoa from the farm level to the point of purchase.

Cargill has also engaged in collaborations with various partners to implement integrated landscape management strategies and share supply chain data. In conjunction with the World Cocoa Foundation and other organizations, Cargill has been involved in developing methodologies for assessing deforestation risks within cocoa supply chains. These efforts align with a broader commitment to eliminate deforestation from the company's cocoa supply chain by 2030.

The report highlights that over 15,500 farmers have adopted agroforestry practices, supported by the distribution of more than 840,000 multipurpose trees for on-farm planting. Cargill plans to continue its collaborative approach with industry partners and local communities to ensure a sustainable cocoa sector for the future.