Sourcing sustainably produced cocoa entails major challenges in the areas of human rights, economic viability and environmental protection. The recent sharp fluctuations in the price of cocoa – from USD 2 500 per tonne to record highs of over USD 10 000 and then back down again – are not only a reflection of short-term market reactions, but also an indication of profound structural crises: farmers in West Africa, who produce 60 – 70 % of the world's cocoa, are confronted with rising production costs, declining yields due to climate change, pest infestation, and a lack of future prospects. At the same time, the clearing of new areas, the use of agrochemicals and other unsustainable cultivation methods exacerbate environmental and climate problems. Over time, they also threaten the livelihoods of farmers and continue to drive the crisis forward. That is why close cooperation with its cocoa cooperatives is of central importance for HALBA.
HALBA sources 30 % of its cocoa beans from Ghana, and the remainder from Ecuador, Honduras, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Uganda and Madagascar. In all of these countries, HALBA is pursuing various initiatives in order to improve conditions for people and the environment. These include cocoa bean certification, direct procurement, transparency and supply chain traceability. Direct procurement from smallholder organisations means that intermediaries can be avoided, and farmers receive a higher proportion of the purchase price. Long-term contracts and clear guidelines create trust and planning security. HALBA is committed to ensuring better local conditions by offering interest-free advance financing. Farm mapping is carried out in conjunction with local cooperatives in order to ensure transparency within the value chain through to primary level. A core element of these fundamental improvement initiatives for HALBA is the promotion of an alternative growing method, which successfully addresses various problems associated with cocoa production: dynamic agroforestry (DAF). DAF focuses on optimising the system as a whole and not maximising individual crops such as cocoa. HALBA is implementing projects in this area in Ghana, Ecuador, Honduras, the Dominican Republic and Madagascar. HALBA also actively supports projects to ensure a living income and to protect children, in particular in Ghana.
