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90X HIGHER IN POLYPHENOLS PER TABLESPOON THAN OLIVE OIL 90X HIGHER IN POLYPHENOLS PER TABLESPOON THAN OLIVE OIL 90X HIGHER IN POLYPHENOLS PER TABLESPOON THAN OLIVE OIL 90X HIGHER IN POLYPHENOLS PER TABLESPOON THAN OLIVE OIL 90X HIGHER IN POLYPHENOLS PER TABLESPOON THAN OLIVE OIL 90X HIGHER IN POLYPHENOLS PER TABLESPOON THAN OLIVE OIL 90X HIGHER IN POLYPHENOLS PER TABLESPOON THAN OLIVE OIL

Cocoa Farming

Published by Chocolatier Jason Vishnefske on 3rd Sep 2022

Cocoa Farming

Hi there,

Cocoa farming is often a family effort, especially in places with few resources. Many cocoa farms are located in areas without basic needs like running water, proper roads, electricity, and modern equipment. Because of this, families—including children—often work together to keep the farm running. This reminds me of how early American farmers relied on family labor to make ends meet.

Recently, I learned that the new President of Ivory Coast is taking steps to stop forced labor. It’s hard for me to believe that any well-known chocolate company would knowingly buy cocoa from farms using forced labor. Still, I suspect that some companies focused on producing low-priced chocolate may be contributing to this problem.

I was surprised to discover just how common forced labor is around the world. I saw a show about shrimp fishing in Thailand and heard an NPR report about electronics being made in China under poor working conditions. It’s not just limited to the chocolate industry.

The only way to really fix this is if everyone works together. Big chocolate companies, especially the huge global ones, could help by giving up a bit of their profits to support the farmers. This way, farmers might be able to make a living without relying on unfair practices. Also, if more consumers choose to buy from smaller chocolate companies that know where their cocoa comes from, it could make a real difference. Sure, this might mean paying a little more for chocolate, but is it really worth saving a few pennies if it means turning a blind eye to these problems?

At Santa Barbara Chocolate, we take this issue seriously. We make sure that all of our chocolates and cocoas are produced without forced labor and traded ethically. We work closely with brokers who visit the farms themselves to confirm these practices. They’re the ones on the ground, making sure everything is done right.

We believe that by supporting ethical cocoa farming, we can all help create a better world. Every time you choose chocolate made this way, you’re supporting farmers who work hard to provide for their families in difficult conditions. And you’re helping to send a message to big companies that consumers care about where their chocolate comes from.

Thank you for choosing to support chocolate made with care and respect.

Sincerely,

Jason