THE YFTAs Visit GhanA TO GET Insights from Cocoa-producing Communities

From 27 to 31 January, a delegation of Young Fair Trade Advocates (YFTAs) and the Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) have visited cocoa-producing cooperatives in different regions of Ghana. The trip has been a unique opportunity to learn from the deep knowledge and resilience of farming communities, gain a better understanding of their livelihoods and explore both the opportunities and challenges they face, from adapting to climate change to navigating new EU regulations.

With Europe importing 58% of the world's cocoa beans, the visit has been particularly insightful, especially as farmers prepare for the new EU Deforestation Regulation that will significantly impact them. It became clear that more support, resources for agroforestry and community development are essential to help farmers adapt and sustain their businesses and livelihoods while playing a vital role in protecting the environment and tackling deforestation.