Our program builds on Fairtrade certification, which sets social, economic and environmental standards and includes the Fairtrade Premium. Certification is the entry point and the strong foundation for all program modules.

Fairtrade certified cocoa cooperatives are organized and supported to strengthen governance and business management, enabling member services and additional training for farmers.

Requirement: Cocoa is Fairtrade certified and purchased on Fairtrade terms for the full program period.

The LIRP reflects the price per kilo that enables a typical cocoa household to reach a living income, based on factors such as household size, viable farm size, sustainable yields and costs. Partners commit to pay at least the applicable LIRP for the duration of the partnership. When the farmgate price is below the LIRP, buyers pay the difference to reach it.

For the 2025/26 cocoa season (1 Oct 2025 to 30 Sept 2026), the LIRP is set at $2.68/kg  at farmgate for Ghana and €2.65/kg for Côte d’Ivoire, which together supply about two thirds of global cocoa. The methodology is developed by Fairtrade International with farmers and stakeholders and is reviewed regularly. For other commodities, see Fairtrade Reference Prices.

Achieving a living income requires not only the LIRP benchmark but also complementary productivity investments. Income equals price times quantity. This component focuses on improving quantity and net margins in a sustainable way.

Program requirement: Participating businesses make additional contributions per metric ton to fund agreed productivity improvement activities.

What this includes:

• Farm management and agronomy: farm management coaching, and pruning and spraying support during critical windows.
• Agroforestry and resilience: shade tree establishment and on-farm biodiversity improvements.

How it is delivered:  Specific activities are set annually with each cooperative and aligned with local calendars and harvest seasons.

Partnerships of five years with clear sourcing plans and an agreed minimum annual volume per origin or cooperative.

This commitment ensures:

• Stability for farmers to plan and make long-term investments.
• Predictable cash flow and planning for cooperatives.
• Sufficient time for program modules to deliver measurable results.

We work directly with selected Fairtrade cocoa cooperatives. The focus is on strengthening cooperative governance and systems so they can manage LIRP payments transparently and coordinate member participation in program activities.

Cocoa in this program is Fairtrade certified and traded on mass balance terms. We require accurate volume reporting and data sharing from supply chain partners to verify compliance and monitor impact at cooperative level.

This pillar focuses on cooperative and community measures that prevent child labour and keep children in school. It builds on the Fairtrade Standard and is financed through business contributions in the program.

What it includes:

• Child labour monitoring and remediation. Community-based systems to identify risks early, prevent child labour, and ensure safe referral and follow up.
• Education access and support. Practical support that removes barriers to schooling, such as birth registration, school kits, uniforms, tutoring and transport support like bicycles.
• Learning environments. Small-scale improvements to existing facilities, coordinated with local authorities and partners where appropriate.
• Community awareness and caregiver support. Training for parents, cooperative leaders and community members on child rights and positive alternatives to child labour.