Tony’s Chocolonely urges against any further delays to the now-2025 European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) deadline. The chocolate brand states that the decision to move the regulation’s implementation date back by 12 months poses negative consequences and further risks to farmers’ livelihoods.
“Delaying the regulation puts progress against deforestation on hold and the proposed delay is concerning,” says Belinda Borck, Global Public Policy Co-ordinator at Tony’s Chocolonely.
Research shows that by 2050, significant areas of West Africa, including Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, responsible for producing 60% of cocoa production, are projected to become unsuitable for making the chocolate ingredient.
Unsuitable environments for future cocoa production
It’s an unsuitability expected due to climate change unless adaptation strategies at the crop, farm and national and regional policy levels are made to reverse its impact. Adaptation crop measures include choosing cocoa varieties, companion trees, and crops that can withstand high maximum temperatures, drought, and diseases.
Research indicates that increasing shade to protect cocoa trees against rising dry season temperatures at the farm level can offer an effective way to diversify farmers’ incomes to protect against market and environmental risks. Agricultural and forest policies are recommended to promote existing cocoa farm growth. At the same time, climatic conditions pose an ongoing risk along with the implementation of new cocoa plantings on once-deforested land.
Anticipated climate changes are likely to affect generations of future farmers. “Cocoa farmers are already feeling the consequences of climate change,” says Borck. Recent climate shocks have reduced cocoa yields, dropping as much as 30-40% over the past three decades.
The knock-on effect on cocoa production output means it’s harder for farmers to earn a living. However, achieving a liveable income remains a struggle despite higher cocoa prices. While the recent Farmgate price increase was 20% in Côte d’Ivoire, government-controlled pricing mechanisms mean farmers do not fully benefit from this rise.
“Continued deforestation means poverty persists and poverty is the root cause of the issues in cocoa,” says Borck.
Delay concerns
In Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, 80-95% of forests have been lost over the past 60 years, The Grocer reports. One-third of that destruction has been caused by cocoa farming.
“We are against a delay as this might lead to a reopening of this crucial regulation and weaken the commitment to prevent exasperating matters further,” says Borck.
With deforestation prevalent since the 1960s and awareness of its magnitude and effects growing, Tony’s Chocolonely argues that action is urgently needed to stem further destruction.
“The time to act against deforestation was yesterday, and we urge the EU Parliament to reject any further delays and to keep its commitment to the planet and its people,” Borck urges.
“We believe that bold regulations should raise the floor for all companies to protect both people and the planet and we would like to see urgent action to protect the planet and stop cocoa-driven deforestation,” says Borck.
In an effort to end cocoa exploitation, Tony’s Chocolonely’s farms are 100% polygon mapped and the brand implements 5 sourcing principles for all its cocoa. In 2019, Tony’s launched its Open Chain programme to spearhead a more ethical cocoa industry. As of the most recent 2023/2024 cocoa season, Tony’s initiative has 20 mission allies who support its aims and eleven partner cooperatives, which it sources its beans from.
“Given the latest guidance issued, there are no further excuses to implement measures immediately,” Borck shares.
