Cocoa Sustainability

THE PRODUCTION of cocoa isn't just the manufacture of yet another commodity. It is a tool for economic
growth, social improvement and environmental stability, a crop whose impact is positive for both the body
and the soul.

A $4 billion industry in the United States alone, 40-50 million people worldwide depend on cocoa for their livelihoods. These businesses are small family farms. Well managed cacao farms help reduce soil erosion, improves air quality and provides a habitat for animals, often conserving remnants of once-plentiful tropical forests.

From Ecuador to Ghana, sustainable cocoa farming has allowed farmers to create their own tree nurseries,
build homes and escape poverty.

Unfortunately, cocoa farmers struggle against old low-producing trees, exhausted soils, lack of agricultural training, and pests and diseases, all of which reduce the amount of cocoa they can harvest to support their families. This is why Mars invests in research, farmer training and certification programs.

With healthier plants, effective training and sustainable agricultural practices, like those used on Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms, farmers can grow more cocoa and raise their incomes. More income means that farmers are able to invest in their families, communities and businesses while better protecting their environment.