TOXIC COCOA

TOXIC COCOA

The chocolate industry is failing to protect people and the environment from the dangers of highly hazardous pesticides.

Every year, an estimated 44% of all farmers and farmworkers suffer acute poisoning by pesticides, that’s 350 million people, with many experiencing multiple incidents each season(1). Cocoa is no exception. Cocoa farmers and children are also exposed to these hazardous chemicals.

The immediate impacts of acute pesticide poisoning can include chemical burns, migraines, severe vomiting, paralysis or even death. Many pesticides are linked to higher risks of cancer and neurodegenerative illnesses such as Parkinson’s Disease, and children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable.

Disturbingly, children’s exposure to pesticides in cocoa is rising. The number of child laborers exposed to harmful pesticides increased from 10% in 2014 to 27% in 2019(2), along with an increase in injuries, health impacts, and level of care needed.

Pesticides are also destructive to the functioning of our natural environment, catastrophic to biodiversity, and are a major factor driving the “insect apocalypse”(3). Cocoa trees are almost entirely reliant on midge flies for pollination, and yet these are highly sensitive to neonicotinoids and other chemicals regularly used in cocoa production(4).

AGRICHEMICALS MANAGEMENT IN THE CHOCOLATE SCORECARD

 

2023 was the fourth time the Chocolate Scorecard asked companies about their efforts to reduce harm and promote alternatives to hazardous agrichemicals, and this is the second year the results were published.

This year, we analysed:

1. Policies on agrichemicals

Higher points were awarded to companies showing commitment to: reducing pesticide use, identifying pesticides (especially Highly Hazardous Pesticides) in use that are causing harms to people and the cocoa ecosystem, and helping producers to use alternative integrated pest management approaches through education, field research and practical support to implement good management practices.

2. Assessment and monitoring

of agrichemical use and harms caused in their supply chain. Companies are expected to gather information on agrichemical use and use this to inform their actions to reduce harms caused.

3. Action to reduce pesticide harm

 

For example, through supporting farmers to adopt non-chemical alternatives (e.g. training, finance, research, etc.), advocating for national pesticide regulation, working to phase-out Highly Hazardous Pesticides, and introducing safety and exposure reduction measures for workers and communities.

 

4. Use of certification schemes

Highest points were awarded for companies sourcing 100% organic cocoa, and partial points for Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance.  

4th EDITION RESULTS