The cocoa tree grows in the warm, humid regions of the tropics. It needs a delicate mix of loose soil, tropical temperatures and protection from the sun and wind to survive. The Hershey Company is actively engaged in preserving this fragile ecosystem by working with industry partners, governments, international agencies and cocoa communities to implement programs that promote environmental conservation and environmentally sustainable farming in cocoa-growing communities.

As a member of the World Cocoa Foundation, The Hershey Company supports the Sustainable Tree Crops Program (STCP), implemented by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. Over 76,000 farmers have participated to date. SCTP helps West African cocoa farmers make cocoa farming a more sustainable and successful way of life by teaching farmers how to:

• Improve growing techniques and the health of cocoa trees to reduce crop loss
• Expand environmentally friendly farming practices, including non-chemical pest and disease controls such as Integrated Pest Management

Our DAGOBA Organic Chocolate brand uses organic cocoa, which is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. DAGOBA has also invested in a multi-year reforestation project in Costa Rica, using cocoa trees and shade trees to benefit the environment while building local economic opportunities.