More than 7,800 farmers benefit from Rainforest Alliance certification-linked payments
Cargill has strengthened its commitment to sustainable cocoa production in Indonesia by distributing approximately Rp38.8 billion in premium payments to more than 7,800 farmers participating in the Rainforest Alliance certification program, reinforcing efforts to build a more transparent, traceable, and resilient cocoa supply chain.
The premiums, which are provided in addition to income from cocoa bean sales, were allocated to farmers in Central Sulawesi (Rp35 billion) and East Nusa Tenggara (Rp3.8 billion). These payments are tied to compliance with internationally recognized sustainability standards and form part of Cargill’s broader cocoa sourcing initiative focused on improving productivity, quality, and market access for smallholder farmers.
“Supporting farmers is essential to building a resilient and transparent cocoa supply chain,” said Brook Chang, Director for Sustainability, Food APAC at Cargill. “Through training, certification, and premium incentives linked to verified sustainability standards, we are helping improve farmer incomes and strengthen supply reliability for global customers.”
In Central Sulawesi, the program currently supports over 5,600 farmers, including more than 600 women, while sourcing approximately 16,000 metric tons of Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa beans between May 2023 and February 2026. In East Nusa Tenggara, around 2,200 farmers are engaged in the initiative, contributing approximately 2,000 metric tons of certified cocoa over the same period.
The program includes training in good agricultural practices, farm rehabilitation, and digital traceability systems, implemented in partnership with PT Rayner Anugrah Kemurahan (PT RAK). The initiative also operates six demonstration farms and five nurseries producing up to 30,000 cocoa seedlings to support replanting and farm productivity improvements.
Premium distribution activities were marked through Farmer Field Days, which provided platforms for knowledge exchange and recognition of high-performing farmers. Stakeholders said the initiative is helping strengthen both productivity and farmer livelihoods while improving access to global markets.
“The efforts and dedication of farmers are reflected in consistent farm management practices and quality improvements,” said Lukmansyah, Team Manager for Cocoa Rainforest Alliance Indonesia. “Certification provides a structured framework that supports traceability and supply chain transparency.”
Local government officials also welcomed the initiative, noting its contribution to rural development and income growth in cocoa-producing regions.
“This collaboration supports efforts to improve farmer livelihoods and strengthen Indonesia’s cocoa sector,” said Mustofa Tohan, Head of the Agriculture and Plantation Office of Poso Regency. “It enhances productivity and expands access to traceable markets, supporting regional economic growth.”
Cargill, which has operated in Indonesia for more than five decades, said the program reflects its long-term commitment to strengthening sustainable agriculture and supporting farmers in key cocoa-producing regions across the country.
