The Rainforest Alliance has launched an ambitious new project with Kraft Foods, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other partners that will help farmers in Cote D'Ivoire, the world's largest producer of cocoa, meet the conservation organization's standards for eco-friendly and socially responsible cocoa farming. The Rainforest Alliance and its partners will provide guidance and technical assistance to about 4,000 farmers in six cooperatives in Cote D'Ivoire over three years to encourage sustainable cocoa production. Farmers will work toward achieving Rainforest Alliance certification by meeting comprehensive environmental and social standards that include conserving natural resources, protecting the welfare of workers and putting into place more efficient management practices. The first deliveries of Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa from Cote D'Ivoire are expected in 2007, so for now, here's Randy Watson and his Sexual Chocolate! » original news
