Key Takeaways
- Mars and ofi have launched a five-year strategic collaboration (2025-2029) to advance climate-smart and regenerative agriculture practices in Ecuador's cocoa production.
- More than 960 farmers across El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí and Santo Domingo will implement regenerative agriculture practices across over 9,000 hectares of farmland.
- The collaboration combines both companies' 2050 Net Zero commitments validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in cocoa supply chains.
- Farmers will transition from full-sun monoculture to multistrata agroforestry systems while using low carbon fertilizers, improved crop residue management, and biochar applications.
- Approximately 4,800 people in surrounding cocoa-growing communities are estimated to benefit from these on-farm investments targeting enhanced productivity and farmer resilience.
Mars Expands Ecuador Partnership with ofi
Mars, Incorporated and ofi (Olam Food Ingredients) announced a five-year strategic collaboration targeting climate-smart cocoa production in Ecuador. The partnership builds on more than 15 years of joint sustainable cocoa sourcing globally and a decade of collaboration specifically in Ecuador.
The initiative focuses on major cocoa growing regions across Ecuador, where participating farmers will implement regenerative agriculture practices. These systems mimic natural forest ecosystems to boost cocoa production, support microorganisms and pollinators, and create natural barriers against pests and disease.
Regenerative Agriculture Implementation
In the first phase, farmers will transition from full-sun monoculture to multistrata agroforestry across farmland roughly the size of the Greek island of Santorini. The program equips farmers with tools for low carbon fertilizers, improved crop residue management, and biochar applications.
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