Farm transformation The Farm Transformation package focuses on in-depth, tailored support for a select group of the most highly motivated and the most vulnerable farmers in our supply chain. 73 Research shows that highly motivated farmers are more likely to actively invest in their farms, making them strong candidates for achieving a living income. 74 Whilst we will continue to invest in all cocoa farmers in our supply chain, as outlined under Foundations, we believe that an additional targeted, high-investment approach is critical towards driving even better yield results and demonstrating a positive future business case for cocoa farmers. The Farm Transformation package includes: • Coaching visits four times a year which include training and demonstrations • Long-term farm development plan (5 years) • Payment of a higher amount per farmer to invest in their farm, with coaching on how to do so strategically The Long-Term Farm Development Plan is a critical part of the Farm Transformation approach. Coaches will expand their role to include hands-on training and 2 key assessments: a Farm Condition Assessment and a Farmer Aspiration Assessment. These assessments will inform a five-year plan focused on boosting cocoa yields, integrating agroforestry and renovating ageing farms. These tailored plans, designed around individual farm conditions and farmer aspirations, will enable farmers to tackle chronic challenges such as soil degradation, aging trees, and persistent pest and disease pressures – issues that cannot be effectively addressed within a single season. A shared responsibility model (between Tony’s Open Chain, partner cooperatives and cocoa farmers) is essential to the success of Long-Term Farm Development Plans. As independent business owners, farmers may choose to adopt or adapt coaches’ recommendations based on their individual circumstances, resources and goals. This underscores the importance of the farmer’s own financial contribution and integrating his or her aspirations into the plan – both of which foster a sense of ownership and commitment to productivity outcomes. Annual monitoring of the plan’s progress will enable coaches to tailor their support each year, adjusting the level and focus of assistance to reflect the farmer’s evolving needs and ensure the plan remains practical, relevant and impactful.
Whilst working with highly motivated farmers, we also want to make sure that the most vulnerable farmers are not left behind. This is why we will also support the renovation of 20% of farmland for a subset of vulnerable farmers across all partner cooperatives. The selection of vulnerable farmers will be determined together with partner cooperatives, and may include vulnerability factors such as age, gender, size of farm and physical disability.
73. The definition of “motivated farmers” is being co-developed with partner cooperatives. 74. Institute for Development Impact. Pathways to Living Income: A Farmer Segmentation Model, November 2024.
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Ending exploitation in cocoa together
Living income
Climate, environment & productivity
Human rights
Governance & finances
Interesting appendices
Scaling for change
Introduction
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