Irrigation

Mars have made announcements which promise to lead to a more just way of dealing with the producers of Cocoa in developing nations.  Will these measures lead to fair trading and sustainable development?

To be a cocoa supplier to Mars, traders will be required to comply with worker welfare, environmental and quality targets set by Mars. They are moving towards having their chocolate carry a seal from Rainforest Alliance, a New York based, nonprofit organization. Rainforest Alliance and Mars have teamed up to achieve this together while aiming for higher yields from cocoa farmers who are conscious of the importance of protecting the environment.

Chris Wille from Rainforest Alliance said that training must be given to farmers to increase yields.  In 2008 a study of the genetic makeup of cocoa plants was started. It aims to enable the cultivation of species that are more resistant to diseases and water shortages. This will cost $10 million over five-years.

Director of Plant Science for Mars, Howard-Yana Shapiro, said this is essential for future supplies of cocoa and the right thing for a global company to do. The International Cocoa Organization says that cocoa is cultivated on four to six acres plots and almost all is grown by only around 3 million smallholders in West African countries.

Paul Rice, the CEO of TransFair USA, which confirms commodities are fairly produced, said that Mars is taking the right steps. Mars should assist farmers by requiring better and more equitable wages and giving them a measure of protection. Child labour is often used in the industry he said.

Cadbury said last month that by Autumn this year its Dairy Milk chocolate will have a Fairtrade Foundation seal.

This article consists of extracts from the Guardian UK website.  The full article may be read at:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/dec/07/fairtrade-kit-kat

My concern with this report is that it may well be all about the sustainability of the Cocoa rather than about the welfare of the producers. When I see a report which talks about the production of a crop by smallholders, I rejoice because they have a living and independence.  Such a report may lead to a push towards “efficiency”; the principle that bigger is better. The “smallholders” who live a traditional lifestyle which, while poor by Western standards, provide dignity and a living.  If they are convinced that they should sell their farms, to form an “efficient”, profitable farm which would provide work and  wage, the lifestyle will be very different and unacceptable to many. This has been the norm, in the name of development, throughout many countries.  Should we trust Mars to be any different?

Bob Chambers