Focus on quality and diversification One of our principles of cooperation is to invest in agricultura knowledge and skills related to growing cocoa and other crops. Cocoa farmers produce an average of 500 kg of cocoa beans per year. That's not enough to earn a living income. With investments in extra plant food, protection against pests and diseases and extra labor, a farmer can increase his production to 800 kg per year. That's a pretty big deal! In addition, something else can contribute to a larger harvest, planting shade trees. Planting shade trees creates a nice climate for cocoa trees. And in a nice environment, cocoa trees will grow more fruit.      
  

Getting started in Ghana and Ivory Coast  Our  cocoa  farmer accelerator  Ywe  went   to visit our cooperatives in February to distribute the money collected for our principle of focus on quality and diversificatoin and take a peek at  nurseries; shade trees are grown here.    
  

Because we want cocoa farmers not to be solely dependent on cocoa, we are particularly happy with the shade trees. In addition to helping cocoa trees grow more fruit, shade trees can be harvested in 10 years to make furniture.   

Curious about our other four principles of cooperation? Read all about it on the mission page on our website!