Mars and Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) are teaming up for a new project aimed at promoting climate-smart cocoa farming in Ecuador. This five-year initiative, starting in 2025, will support over 960 cocoa farmers across key regions like El Oro, Esmeraldas, and Guayas.
The goal? To implement regenerative agriculture practices on more than 9,000 hectares of land. This approach not only seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions across the cocoa supply chain but also to enhance productivity and strengthen the resilience of farmers. Both companies are driven by a shared vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and they believe that collaboration is vital for creating meaningful impact.
Benjamin Guilbert, Global Vice President of Cocoa at Mars, emphasizes the importance of shared goals. He believes that when companies align their missions, they can drive significant change together.
Farmers participating in this program will shift from traditional monoculture practices to multistrata agroforestry. This system mimics natural forests, boosting cocoa production while also supporting biodiversity. Benefits include natural pest protection and improved soil health through measures like low-carbon fertilizers and biochar. According to experts, these practices can significantly enhance soil quality and carbon sequestration, leading to increased cocoa yields.
The project is anticipated to positively impact around 4,800 people in surrounding cocoa-growing communities. Mars highlights that partnerships like this are essential for making real progress toward their net-zero goals.
This isn’t Mars’ first venture into sustainable cocoa sourcing. With over 15 years of collaboration with ofi and a decade focusing on Ecuador, their ambitions are backed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Andrew Brooks, Head of Cocoa Sustainability at ofi, shares that by promoting practices like agroforestry, they aim to reduce barriers for farmers and create new income opportunities. This not only helps build more resilient livelihoods but also secures the cocoa supply for future generations.
The project reflects a growing trend in the food industry, where companies are prioritizing sustainability and climate action. According to a recent survey, 70% of consumers are willing to pay more for products from sustainable sources. This shift underscores the importance of initiatives like Mars and ofi’s, as they pave the way for a more sustainable food system.
For more about Mars’ commitments toward sustainability, you can check their Net Zero Roadmap. This collaboration not only showcases a step towards greener farming practices but also highlights the interconnectedness of agriculture, the environment, and local communities.
