ICCO, CIRAD set for second edition of international symposium on cocoa research
By Onomev Amuge
The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) in partnership with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) has announced its readiness for the second edition of the International Symposium on Cocoa Research (ISCR) themed “Innovations to Support Market Development and Promote Sustainability in Cocoa Farming to Improve Farmers’ Incomes,” slated for 27-29, September 2021 in Montpellier, France.
The international event aimed at boosting the cocoa commodity sector is a well-established event, having previously drawn over 500 participants, not only from the scientific community, but also participants and stakeholders from the entire cocoa value chain, making the three-day event a must-attend for anyone concerned about the future of the commodity, a statement by ICCO sent to Business A.M. explained.
It noted that the symposium presents a unique opportunity for participants to interact with cocoa industry leaders, commodity experts,researchers and high-level speakers who will present their latest studies, pointing the way forward for the cocoa sector.
In order to facilitate the reception of papers and presentations, as well as the registration to attend the event, ICCO said has published the website: www.iscrsymposium.org from which all the information related to the event, including the different thematic areas, as well as the conditions and requirements to send the papers can be consulted.
According to ICCO, the period for submission of papers is open until March 20, 2021, stating that in addition, there are several discounts applicable to students and organisations as well reduced rates until April 30 for individuals from ICCO-member and non ICCO-member countries interested in attending the event,organised strictly in compliance with covid-19 preventive measures.
The International Cocoa Organisation is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1973 under the auspices of the United Nations and operating within the framework of successive International Cocoa Agreements.
The organisationis made up of 51-member countries, of which 22 are cocoa-exporting countries and 29 are cocoa-importing countries. These member countries together represent 92 per cent of world cocoa exports and 80 per cent of world cocoa imports.
Theorganisation seeks to promote and support the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the cocoa value chain, and particularly to improve the living conditions of cocoa farmers.
It also acts as a center for knowledge and innovation on the World Cocoa Economy, a platform for institutional cooperation, fostering dialogue among itsmember countries and a source of technical assistance for key stakeholders in the cocoa value chain.