Child Labor

To help address the worst forms of child labor in cocoa growing communities.

• To eliminate poverty of child labor

• To institute traceability systems for cocoa supply chains starting at the farm leve

• To help the chocolate industry to do more to monitor the supply chain to combat child labor, forced labor and human trafficking

  The global chocolate and cocoa industry condemns the worst forms of child labor in the cocoa supply chain. Unacceptable labor practices on cocoa farms are a recognized issue, with too many children participating in hazardous farming tasks or working at the expense of attending school . We believe that no child should ever be harmed in the process of growing or harvesting cocoa.   Many farming families living in some of the most remote parts of these cocoa growing countries who depend on cocoa for their livelihood. It is incumbent on us not to put at risk the economic welfare of these decent and hard working cocoa farming families. The vast majority of cocoa farms are not owned by the companies that make chocolate or supply cocoa and we therefore don’t have control over cocoa farming and labor practices. To bring about positive and sustainable change to the way cocoa is grown and harvested in cocoa growing countries. We believe that no child should ever be harmed in the farming of cocoa. In addition to industry programs, we remain committed to support government and our global partners in the pursuit of sustainable cocoa farming, helping farmers, families and children achieve a better life.