Regenerating ecosystems
Forests are disappearing, and so are canopies that protect smaller trees with shade, such as the cocoa tree.
What Cocoa Horizons does
Cocoa Horizons progresses on deforestation-free cocoa while investing in the productivity of cocoa farming in suitable areas, preserving eco-systems and restoring biodiversity on existing farmland.
How?
In 2022/23 saw the start of implementing an agroforestry farming model: by planting innate forest trees alongside cocoa trees aiming to improve farms’ resilience to pests and climate change, promote soil regeneration, water conservation and enhance biodiversity.
Planting of shade trees | Shade trees were distributed to cocoa farmers, which are planted alongside cocoa trees to re-create forest canopy, providing shade and protection, as well as enhancing soil moisture and fertility. |
Soil regeneration and water conservation | The addition of diverse tree species contributes to the health of the soil by increasing organic matter content and water retention capabilities, which are essential for sustainable agriculture. |
Biodiversity enhancement | Agroforestry supports a wide range of flora and fauna, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity within cocoa farming landscapes. |
What Callebaut contributed to Cocoa Horizons activities in 2023/24
3,660 | hectares of farmland are under management with agroforestry. |
275,155 | shade trees were distributed to farmers. |
45,570 | tons of carbon were sequestered through these environmental activities. |
EUDR: Our next step
We're enhancing due diligence to meet EUDR and help keep forests standing.
