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Empowering Farmers: The First-Ever Farmer Network at CAA, Sponsored by Puratos Grand-Place

23 Sep 2024

This year, Cocoa Association of Asia (CAA) organized the first-ever Farmer Network where farmers from various cocoa countries had the chance to meet each other and share their experiences and challenges. 

With sustainability at the core, Puratos Grand-Place proudly became a sponsor of the event. Gricha Safarian, Managing Director of Puratos Grand-Place, emphasized the true essence of sustainability in his opening remarks. "Sustainability," Safarian said, "is about growing your business without harming the environment or communities around you. True sustainability means paying for what we use.” 

For the first time, 16 farmers from eight countries—Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Uganda, Bolivia, and Vietnam—came together in the Farmer Network. This platform was created to give a voice to the people who are often at the heart of the cocoa industry but rarely heard. The farmers discussed six key topics: Sustainable Farming Practices, Innovative Technologies and Methods, Climate Change Adaptation, Market Access and Trade, Community Development and Farmer Cooperation, and Regulatory & Compliance.

Representing Vietnam were: Ms. Nguyen Hong Thuong, Director of Nhat Tam Cooperative from Dak Lak Province, and Mr. Dong Tien Hung, Director of A1 Cocoa Company from Binh Phuoc Province. Alongside the PGPV team, they actively contributed to the discussions, highlighting Vietnam’s practices in cocoa farming.

Here are some key insights from the farmers' discussions:

1.        Sustainable Farming Practices:
Farmers emphasized the increased adoption of agroforestry and regenerative practices, leading to improved soil health and resilience. However, challenges remain, particularly in the high cost of adoption. Who bears this cost? Communities are often resistant to change due to uncertainty and fear of risks tied to new technologies.

2.        Innovative Technologies and Methods:
PH meters and testing equipment have become essential tools for farmers to enhance yield and plant health. But rural areas still struggle with limited access to electricity and the internet, making it hard to adopt these innovations. Moreover, the rainy season poses drying challenges due to a lack of proper equipment.

3.        Impact of Climate Change:
Unpredictable weather patterns and limited government support were highlighted as significant challenges. Some farmers have installed drip irrigation, mulched, or adopted intercropping and cover crops. Yet, the educational gap and long-term uncertainties make it difficult for widespread adoption.

4.        Market Access and Trade:
Farmers aspire to access downstream markets, but inconsistent quality, financial constraints, and a complex regulatory environment pose hurdles. Some have turned to direct selling, including using platforms like TikTok in Vietnam to promote cooperative products. However, many still lack the skills and resources to tap into new markets and explore value-added opportunities.

5.        Community Development and Farmer Cooperation:
Infrastructure development, training, and collective bargaining have benefited many farming communities. However, issues such as corruption, lack of transparency, and limited financial access persist. Additionally, younger generations are hesitant to engage in cocoa farming, perceiving it as too labor-intensive.

6.        Regulatory & Compliance:
Farmers depend on buyers and cooperatives to help meet regulatory requirements. Unfortunately, government support remains limited, and the high cost of compliance is burdensome. Discrepancies between local practices and international regulations further complicate matters, particularly regarding forest and land use definitions.

This Farmer Network is a step forward in hearing the voices that matter most—our farmers. As we look ahead, we anticipate positive changes within the cocoa industry. By continuing to collaborate, share knowledge, and embrace innovation, we can ensure that cocoa farming remains a thriving, sustainable industry.

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By Vy Nguyen

Branding and Communication Manager of Puratos Grand-Place 

© Puratos Group 2024