Sustainability

Sustainability has many different dimensions - environmental, social and economic - and, in various ways, we seek to address all of them.

We believe that, when cocoa is grown according to sound ecological principles, it not only produces delicious chocolate, it can also contribute to a healthy environment and a better future for the planet. We have intentionally developed a ‘low input’ system that keeps the cocoa healthy by mimicking, as far as possible, the natural growing conditions of cocoa, as an understorey shrub in the forests of Latin America.

​

We use - and advocate the wider use of - mixed-species agroforestry systems because they are inherently more ‘resilient’ in the face of droughts, heavy rainfall and other extreme weather associated with climate change. Maintaining the cover of trees and other vegetation, and building up organic matter in the soil, encourages water to seep into the soil (rather than running off and causing flooding) and reduces the erosion of topsoil (maintaining fertility for the crops, where it is needed, and reducing the silting-up of both freshwater and marine environments). Keeping a mix of native plant species among the crops promotes biological control of pests in the crop and sustains a healthy diversity of native species of insects and birds in the environment.

​

We pursue our social and economic sustainability goals through our outreach activities by:

• purchasing cocoa at fair prices from nearby communities and

• helping to develop ecotourism and other livelihood options.

​

Please check out our biodiversity photo albums of insects, birds and freshwater life... and come back from time to time to see what new species we have encountered on the farm!