MINNEAPOLIS — Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate plans to double its farmer field schools in the Ivory Coast to 300 from 150 by mid-2010, which should result in the training of 10,000 farmers.

The company plans to launch 82 schools in February. The 10-month program involves training farmers in farming techniques and post-harvest activities such as pruning, planting renewal and cocoa fermentation methods. The training is key to building a sustainable supply chain, increasing farmers’ incomes and supporting the growth of cocoa farming, according to Cargill.