SCHIPHOL, THE NETHERLANDS — Cargill on Dec. 13 released “Protect Our Planet,” a strategic action plan that outlines the company’s strategy for eliminating deforestation from its cocoa supply chain and achieving 100% cocoa bean traceability. The plan also expands Cargill’s forest efforts to five origin countries (Brazil, Indonesia, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Ghana) as well as the indirect cocoa supply chain.

“We recognize there is considerable urgency to address climate and deforestation challenges,” said Harold Poelma, president of Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate. “This means engaging in programs to stop deforestation in the countries from which we source cocoa. We have made important first steps, but there is more to be done, and we believe that this action plan is how we will reach our goal.”

Cargill first introduced its five sustainability goals in October 2017. Under the “Protect Our Planet” plan, the company has outlined how it expects to achieve those goals and eliminate deforestation from its supply chain by 2030. The five goals include:

  • Supply chain transparency. To achieve its goal of 100% cocoa bean traceability, Cargill said it will map its entire cocoa supply chain to identify the exact location of the farms and accurately assess farm size. Cargill said it will use GPS and polygon farm mapping to achieve this goal. Additionally, Cargill plans to continue to introduce traceability technology to cooperatives and farmers such as a Coop Management System and bar-coding of bags enabling us to trace beans back to individual farms.
  • Cargill Cocoa Promise. Cargill said it is integrating environmental protection projects into its Cocoa Promise program, including expanding existing programs related to growing more cocoa on less land, economics and labor issues to include agroforestry and conservation.
  • Supplier engagement. Cargill has committed to managing the risk of deforestation. This commitment extends beyond the company’s Cocoa Promise supply chain to include indirect cocoa and chocolate ingredient supply chains.
  • Transformation, together. Cargill has pledged to work together with other chocolate and cocoa companies to achieve a fair and secure cocoa supply chain.
  • Reporting and sharing. Cargill has committed to reporting annually to all its stakeholders, including customers.

“Concerns around deforestation and its impact demand a joint response from private and public sectors, companies and citizens alike,” Mr. Poelma said. “We are committed to playing our part in ending deforestation in the cocoa sector while improving the lives of cocoa farmers and their communities, reinforcing our ability to thrive as a business while leaving a positive impact on the world around us.”