Cocoa producers world-wide, particularly African growers, decry the introduction of new certification standards since they feel that it might depress their income from the produce. Whether such apprehensions are genuine or not is a debatable point since there are segments of farmers in Africa and elsewhere, who believe that genuine standards evolved by the certifying authorities would work in their (farmers) favor.
Three major independent certification schemes have been established over some 20 years or so. They are broadly for farmers to improve farming practices, standards for regular audits of farmer organizations and importantly for labeling produces to guarantee its quality and hygiene.
While the certification schemes reward farmers and farmer organizations with premium payments, thereby providing an incentive for farmers to attend training and switch to more sustainable farming practices, and increase investment in farms and farmer organizations for sustainable production, there are fears that farmers who cannot achieve that standards stand to lose heavily. There are allegations that such standards are more skewed in favor of buyers at the cost of producers.
It may be noted that some countries in Africa have come to an understanding not to sell produces below a particular price to insulate them from exploitation of buyers and middlemen, who always try to suppress the prices to make as killing.
