Quality Partner Program
Working with cocoa farmer cooperatives – Through our Quality Partner Program (Partenaire de Qualité) program in Ivory Coast, we work in partnership with cocoa farmer cooperatives. The focus of the program is on improving quality – the quality of cocoa farms, the quality of cocoa beans, and the overall quality of life of cocoa farmers.
Quality Partner Program
A partnership between cocoa farmer cooperatives and Barry Callebaut's SACO subsidiary in Ivory Coast
www.qualitypartnerprogram.com
Barry Callebaut established its Quality Partner program with cocoa farmer cooperatives in 2005 and was expanded to Cameroon in 2010. Through farmer training and other services, the program aims to improve quality in distinct ways:
- Improving the quality of cocoa farms through farmer training in Good Agricultural Practices
- Improving the quality of cocoa beans through sustainable production, harvesting and post-harvest management practices
- Improving the overall quality of life of cocoa farmers and their families by offering opportunities to earn more from higher yields and improved quality of crops, and through improved access to health care and education
In 2011/12, 82 farmer cooperatives representing 31,806 farmers throughout Côte d’Ivoire participated in the program. Demonstrating the success of the program, the volume of quality-grade cocoa increased from 23% in 2005/2006 to 47% in 2011/2012. In 2010, Barry Callebaut expanded the program to reach farmers in Cameroon. Barry Callebaut provides incentives to cooperatives and farmers to produce quality cocoa. And, we support partner cooperatives in their efforts to improve the livelihoods of the farmer members.
In addition to providing agricultural training, Barry Callebaut also supports child labor sensitization activities and encourages and promotes education. For more information see www.qualitypartnerprogram.com
