IDH, the sustainable trade initiative, recently held the kick-off meeting for its “Green Cocoa Landscape” programme in Cameroon, which aims to help farmers there make use of good agronomic practices based on the latest scientific insights. Participants from the government of Cameroon, industry and civil society attended the meeting in order to discuss challenges facing cocoa farmers in the country.

At the meeting, leading chocolate and cocoa companies such as Barry Callebaut, Cargill and Olam were present. They affirmed a commitment to invest in cocoa from Cameroon, help reduce deforestation and improve quality and flavour profiles.

IDH said it believes that the Cameroonian cocoa sector can occupy a distinct place in the international market if quality is improved and if it can demonstrate that increased production does not result in deforestation. It also believes that, if Cameroonian farmers adopt better growing and processing practices, they can access the market for premium cocoa and obtain better prices.