3.3.2 A Farmer’s Perspective?

Legislators in cocoa growing countries must be guided by the requirements of the consumer, but it is imperative that any measures taken are appropriate for farmers’ needs.

Many of the latter are smallholders who, when faced with pest problems, seek effective solutions and continue to turn to the use of pesticides to provide remedies.

From the farmer’s point of view, (s)he might:
 

• wish to buy pesticide products for other crops or domestic use, that may be unsuitable for cocoa and leave harmful residues;
• be presented with a bewildering array of products, not to mention sales persuasion, when visiting the agricultural supply store;
• be offered illegal or counterfeit products: this is a major concern of responsible suppliers. To find out more, go to www.croplife.org/crop-protection/anti-counterfeiting/.