CHOCOA 2022 PROGRAMS
23-25 JUNE
JOIN US IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY FOR 3 DAYS OF NETWORKING, KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE, AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
The Amsterdam Sustainable Cocoa Conference at Chocoa will discuss the impact of new EU legislation and innovation. The European Union has published draft legislation on the corporate responsibility for deforestation and human rights infringements in their supply chains. What are the consequences of this legislation in the cocoa supply chains. Companies will increase their efforts on traceability and transparency. How will the costs of these measures be allocated throughout the supply chain? How will these supply chains change? How will innovation impact sustainability in the supply chain? Will be agroforestry, the new buzz word in cocoa, benefit farmers, the environment and mitigate climate change? What other innovations have the potential to improve economic, soical and environmental conditions of cocoa production?
AMSTERDAM SUSTAINABLE
COCOA CONFERENCE
1- Due diligence obligations for cocoa supply chains: who will pay the price?
The European Commission has published two legislative proposals putting the responsibility for sustainability issues related to deforestation and human rights infringements with European companies in the supply chains and their management. From the consumer perspective, it seems a good story: they will be informed about the origin of the cocoa they are consuming and ensured that it is ethically and sustainably sourced. However, this process will incur costs throughout the supply chain, for traceability and transparency, and possibly changes in the sourcing process. Will they lead to higher prices for the cocoa products? To lower margins for the supply chain actors? How can we avoid that ultimately the costs will be passed on to the weakest link, the cocoa farmer? The Amsterdam Sustainable Cocoa Conference at Chocoa 2022 will open with a discussion on the pitfalls we need to avoid to ensure that the Due Diligence legislation serves the people in origin countries, as it is meant to be.
2. Indirect sourcing and transparency: opposite or compatible?
The due diligence obligations that follow from the legislative proposals that were recently published by the European Commission will persuade companies in the cocoa supply chain that they will need full traceability and transparency. As the cocoa and chocolate supply chain is complex and fragmented, it will be very difficult to get a clear view on the risks and hazards. What is the impact on sourcing strategies? Companies will favor direct souring from partners they trust. What will be the impact on indirect sourcing? What will be the impact on the position of the terminal market? What traceability solutions can be found?
3. Cocoa agroforestry
In the early years of the cocoa tree, full-sun exposure contributes to rapid growth. Currently, cocoa is one of the main drivers of agricultural deforestation and carbon emissions. But cocoa also has the ability to mitigate climate change: cocoa and other complimentary trees provide an environment that encourages biodiversity, stores carbon, and protects soil- another major channel for carbon in-setting. These agroforestry systems protect important ecosystem services, improving local weather conditions, regulating the water cycle, and enhancing resilience to pests and diseases. Diversified, resilient agroforestry farms provide additional revenue streams and lessen farmer’s vulnerability to global cocoa market fluctuations. Is cocoa forestry the magic solution to all problems in the cocoa supply chain? How can agroforestry projects be realized in such a way that farmers are de-risked and benefit from the very start?
4. Innovation and sustainability
In 2022, in several places in the world, startups are launched with the aim to find a solution to feed the world more sustainably. Think of urban farming, think of lab-grown meat and other solutions to produce food independent from the natural habitat of the product. But think also of using waste as input for new products, such as cocoa juice drinks and bio mass energy plants. To what extend are they sustainable and can they contribute to a wealthy distribution of value in the cocoa supply chain?