Cargill has partnered with non-profit organisation Imaflora to implement two projects to support cocoa producers in Pará, Brazil.

Imaflora and Cargill designed the Floresta Produtiva (Productive Forest) and Farmer Coaching projects to help cocoa producers increase their productivity by implementing environmental conservation actions and good agricultural practices.

As part of the Floresta Produtiva project, 150 producers will support the implementation of Agroforestry Systems (SAFs) and the environmental sustainability of properties under the Brazilian Forest Code.

It provides seedlings of native species from the Amazon biome and farming products for the production of cocoa seedlings. It will also offer technical assistance to producers for the elaboration of the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR).

Under the Farmer Coaching project, more than 50 cocoa producers will receive training to become ambassadors of good practices in sustainable cocoa production throughout the region.

The farmers will study pruning, efficient use of fertilisers, disease control, fermentation, work safety and the correct application of farming products.

The projects form part of the Cargill Cocoa Promise, launched by the company in 2012.

Through these two projects, Cargill aims to provide sustainable cocoa for the chocolate industry while improving the well-being of farmers.

Cargill cocoa and chocolate Brazil managing director Laerte Moraes said: “Everything always comes down to how we create lasting benefits for cocoa farmers, their families and communities. We want to empower them to own their futures and achieve their own business success.

“This aligns with our global sustainability strategy and is part of Cargill’s Protect Our Planet strategic action plan.”

Imaflora and Cargill expect the two projects to restore nearly 740 acres of degraded farmland. It will also support 150 families in the Cooperative Alternativa Mista dos Pequenos Produtores do Alto Xingu (CAMPPAX) in São Felix do Xingu.

In December, Cargill announced plans to invest more than $113m to expand its cocoa processing facilities in Yopougon, Ivory Coast, and Tema, Ghana.