Over the next five years, Hershey will expand and accelerate programmes to improve cocoa communities by investing $10m in West Africa and continuing to work with experts in agriculture, community development and government to achieve progress with cocoa farmers and their families.
By 2017, Hershey’s public and private partnerships will directly benefit 750,000 African cocoa farmers and over two million people in cocoa communities across the region. Because cocoa farms are family farms, improving farming increases family income. West African farmers can increase their cocoa output by 50% through modern methods. Doing so will increase school attendance and improve community health.
JP Bilbrey, president and CEO, The Hershey Company, said: “Hershey is extending our commitment with new programmes to drive long-term change in cocoa villages where families will benefit from our investments in education, health and economic opportunities. Our global consumers want The Hershey Company to be a leader in responsible business practices and in finding smart ways to benefit cocoa communities. We are excited and humbled by this opportunity to create positive change in West Africa.”
Later this year, US consumers will be able to purchase Hershey’s Bliss products with 100% cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.
Source: The Hershey Company
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