Release of new edition of manual on Pesticide Use in Cocoa
Abidjan, 23 May 2023 – The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) in collaboration with the European Cocoa Association (ECA), the Association of Chocolate, Biscuit and Confectionery Industries of Europe (CAOBISCO), and the Joint Cocoa Research Fund (JRF) has released the fourth edition of the manual of Pesticide Use in Cocoa. This latest edition provides more guidelines on the safe and effective use of pesticides in cocoa production.
Chocolate and other cocoa products are delicacies that people all over the world love and enjoy. The key ingredient in these delicacies is derived from cocoa beans, also known as the “food of the gods”, and popularly renowned for its ancient history as well as its health and nutritional attributes.
The use of chemical control measures to manage cocoa pests and diseases could cause food safety concerns if pesticide application is not done in the prescribed manner, leading to residues above maximum prescribed levels for chemical compounds that are dangerous to the health of the consumers.
Our priority is the production of wholesome cocoa beans, which are safe for consumption. In this respect, the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), in close cooperation with the cocoa industry, publishes a manual of Pesticide Use in Cocoa providing broad guidelines on the choice and application of pesticides used in the cocoa supply chain. The first, second and third editions of the manual were published in 2008, 2010 and 2015 respectively.
The past decade has witnessed a significant change in the food safety and environmental sustainability landscape, calling for greater focus from policy makers on protecting people and the environment. This and other considerations prompted the publication of the fourth edition of the manual to meet the challenges of the times.
We are happy to inform the public, and particularly our stakeholders, of the release of the fourth edition of the manual. This edition is packed with more information on the science and application of pesticides. In addition, there are new sections on policy changes in traceability schemes, EU Green Deal on sustainable use of pesticides, bio-alternatives to chemical control and an analysis of emerging pest threats.
The manual is intuitively designed to be user-friendly, particularly for cocoa farmers and cocoa traders. The manual is also a training guide for agricultural extension agents, agricultural students and staff of cocoa institutions and bodies. The manual will be very useful for cocoa warehouse managers, pesticide manufacturers, pesticide sellers and any other party that desires to know more about the safety of cocoa for consumption.
We encourage wide distribution of this free downloadable manual among stakeholders in cocoa production and trade. The manual is available for download in digital format from the ICCO website: https://www.icco.org/icco-documentation/pesticide-use-in-cocoa-practial-manual-fourth-edition/
Let us all collaborate to ensure safe cocoa production for consumption and for the pleasure of consumers of chocolate and other cocoa products.
