Agroecology Policy

Background and aims

According to the FAO, agroecology is the use of natural resources and mechanisms for the purpose of agricultural production. It combines ecological, economic, and social dimensions and aims to better leverage the interactions between plants, animals, humans, and the environment.

Agroecology’s fundamental principles include:

Management and preservation of water and natural resources
Embedding environmentally-friendly farming practices such as limiting chemical inputs, rotating crops, practicing agroforestry and planting cover crops for healthy soil
Preserving biodiversity by encouraging crops, animals and natural habitats to live side by side, so that we can support biological diversity and strengthen ecosystems
Respecting animal welfare
Achieving profitability by creating economically viable agricultural systems for farmers, which should encourage greater long-term financial stability
Taking social responsibility by factoring in the impact of agricultural practices on local communities and improving living conditions, food security and rural development

At Valrhona, we know that agroecology is a priority if we are to sustain cocoa-growing over the long term, so we have a responsibility to help our producers to adopt this practice.

Collective commitment

The Cacao Forest program

Since 2015, we have been a founding member of the Cacao Forest project, a pioneering multi-sector initiative that aims to build a sustainable cocoa industry through agroforestry.

Learn more about this project

The Cocoa & Forests Initiative defines agroforestry as: "A land-use system in which cacao trees are planted with other tree species within the same farming area. These species may vary over time as the cacao trees grow taller and other tree species are harvested. Agroforestry systems involve both ecological and economic interactions between different species."

Between 2015 and 2022, 4 agroforestry models were tested in the Dominican Republic on 36 plots. Their development is based on applied research supported by the expertise of various stakeholders in the sector (including CIRAD and Earthworm).

The results demonstrate significant benefits for the 1900 producers:

The potential increase in income from less than $2000 per hectare per year to more than $7000 depending on the models
Better management of cultivated biodiversity
A well-reasoned diversification of income sources for the farmers involved

Since 2024, the most effective models have been identified. The creation of knowledge on agroforestry dynamics in the local context has also led to the creation of a master's program on the subject in the country's public universities. The Cacao Forest program is launched in Ivory Coast in 2025.

Cacao Forest

Stéphane Sabourin & Carole Seignovert

Valrhona's commitments and actions

1. Developing projects with our partners and their producers

At Valrhona, the selection of our suppliers based on their commitments to agroecology is a key criterion. We have always been committed to collaborating with partners who have an exemplary approach, respectful of the land and people, as is the case with our historical partners such as Millot, M. Libânio, Satocao, and Hummingbird Citrus LTD.

We are committed to deploying agroecological practices with all our partners to ensure the sustainability of crops and the well-being of communities. This approach is region-specific: it is always adapted to the field realities and the maturity of production methods. Thus, we affirm our determination to promote sustainable and responsible agriculture for the benefit of all.

Today, Valrhona funds training programs on good agricultural practices and the deployment of agroecological practices in Peru, Togo, Ghana, Ecuador, Haiti, Venezuela, Madagascar, Ivory Coast, and Indonesia.

2. Developing agroforestry

Agroforestry being a practice of agroecology, we wish to develop our expertise on this subject with our partner suppliers. Since 2018, 4 major projects with our partners have been implemented:

The Cacao Forest project in the Dominican Republic and then in Ivory Coast
The regeneration project of Creole gardens in Haiti
The TRACTIONS project and the collaborative learning center project in Indonesia

Given the impacts of these projects, we are reassured in our approach and wish to continue our commitment to the development of agroforestry in the cocoa sector.

3. Pesticide reduction

Valrhona is committed to reducing the use of pesticides in cocoa production. The reduction of chemical use and their well-reasoned use is an integral part of agroecological practices. We therefore commit, in collaboration with our partners, to support their initiatives to prevent the use of highly toxic pesticides on cocoa plantations, which can have harmful effects on the environment, the health of producers, and the quality of cocoa.

The well-reasoned management of chemicals and pesticides is also a requirement of fair trade standards. By taking a position as a fair trade partner, we commit to respecting these criteria and supporting the compliance of our partners with these practices.

Key performance indicators for 2030

Valrhona is committed to financing at least one project every year to support agroecology, in partnership with NGOs and research organizations, so that we can foster a sustainable and resilient cocoa industry.
100% of our partners are committed to implementing the production of their cocoa according to agroecological practices.

agroforestry cocoa plantation in Madagascar

Our progress by 2024

Develop Agroecology

In 2024, Valrhona funds:

The launch of Cacao Forest in Côte d'Ivoire
The TRACTIONS project in Indonesia
The Valrhona Solidarity Fund on agroecology projects
The launch of two new projects in Madagascar and Togo

Pesticide controle plan

Our control plans on our raw materials and chocolates are very demanding and ensure compliance with European regulations.

We carry out controls both in production and on finished products. These controls are release controls, which means that if a batch is not compliant, it is not marketed. We have had no product recalls for 5 years.