Will there be a Chocolate drought?

     According to Chocolatier Angus Kennedy, "Supplies of sustainable cocoa are set to run out, it is that simple."  There is political unrest in Africa's Ivory Coast where 43% of the worlds cocao beans are grown.  The situation is made worst by a curb on international cocoa exports by new president Alassane Quattara.   Sustainable Fair Trade programs in Africa are at risk and, already affecting chocolate manufacturers worldwide.  
     What exactly is Fair Trade?  We see the words  " FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED"  printed on certain food labels or used in the media .  I will try to explain it because this program is important in order to eliminate poverty and, slavery in unregulated governments.
    FAIR TRADE  is an international monitoring and certification system that guarantees a minimum price under direct contracts, prohibits abusive child labor, and promotes environmental sustainability. The Fair Trade system guarantees that farmers receive a “floor price”  for their product..   Producers receive $150 per metric ton above the world price if the world price rises above the Fair Trade floor price. This gives farmers the stable and sufficient income they need to support their families with dignity.  Fair Trade prohibits abusive child labor, forced labor and, slavery.  Farms are monitored once per year to ensure that all conditions are met.  Fair Trade cocoa comes from Belize, Bolivia, Cameroon, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Nicaragua, and Peru.
     Can Chocolate save planet Earth from global warming?  There is alot less rain-forest  than there used to be.  Deforestation is occurring because of the high demand for wood and, it is more profitable than growing  food crops.   Every time a tree is cut or burned  more carbon is released into the air and, the planet gets warmer. Also, after a tree is cut down in the rain-forest the land becomes hard and, turns yellow and, it is impossible for another tree to flourish.
     Because the cocoa plant grows under the forest canopy, worldwide chocolate manufacturers are scrambling to invent ways to save the rain-forest.  Some companies are partnering in buying land in Central America and, Africa then sharing their crops.   The American Mars,Inc. is developing a Carbon Credit Program that is educating farmers on how planting annual crops like corn, beans and, cocoa enrich the dirt so, it can once again support and, replace the tall canopy trees.
     No only can chocolate help save the planet but, we all know it has many health benefits.  It contains Flavonoids , a potent antioxidant which protects the body from aging and,  high blood pressure.
     As Valentine"s Day approaches be aware of where your chocolate comes from.  Read the label and, look for Fair Trade and, also try to consume more dark chocolate , it has less fat and, more health benefits.