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Mars, Inc. is committing $4.5 million to provide economic, educational and environmental assistance to communities and individuals in West Africa. The 3-year initiative doubles the company's existing annual contribution to the International Cocoa Initiative and adds partnerships with Africare, the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help, the German Technical Cooperation Agency (GTZ) and the Rainforest Alliance.
"Mars is committed to long-term solutions to enhance the lives of the people and communities where cocoa is farmed, and we expect these partnerships to positively benefit thousands of African farmers and their families," said Brice Russell, chief procurement officer, in a prepared statement.
The efforts are designed to increase economic assistance for local cocoa farmers, improve local infrastructure and education and enhance agricultural sustainability.
The company is also continuing its support for the Sustainable Tree Crops Program, which educates farmers through Farmer Field Schools and helps introduce best practices for cocoa production in Africa, as well as its program with Winrock International, which enhances educational opportunities for West African children.
Editor's Insight: This is an interesting tidbit for vending operators to include in their customer newsletters. It isn't earth shattering news, but many consumers want to support companies that are making an effort to improve agricultural sustainability, along with other efforts to support environmental and worker wellness.
Another example is fair trade coffee, which has gained more support among consumers over the years. 04-20-07 by Elliot Maras