GHANA 
STANDARD  DGS IG  
1: 2023  
First Edition 2023
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National Implementation Guide for GS ARS 1000 — Part 1: 
Requirements for Cocoa Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/ Farmer 
Cooperative — Management Systems and Performance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reference No. DGS 1:2023(E) ICS 
67.140.30 
 
 
© GSA  2023Preface  
Conformity to the requirements of ARS 1001 is necessary for instituting and implementing a management system for 
achieving continuous production of sustainable and traceable cocoa. This system is vital for the acceptance of the 
cocoa beans the farm produce s, both the national and international market, as sustainably produced and to be sold 
as such. In Ghana as well as within the African Region, the implementation of management systems for a food produce 
commodity is a relatively new concept especially for p rimary production companies. With the adoption of these 
regional standards, ARS 1001:2021 series, by Ghana as the national standards for the implementation of sustainable 
and traceable cocoa production (STMS) in cocoa farms, these documents are intended to  provide guidance on the 
requirements of the ARS 1001 series of standards and recommendation on how the requirements of the standards 
should be implemented throughout the local cocoa industry.  
 
Acknowledgements  
This document was developed by a Technical W orking Group comprising key stakeholders and experts including the 
Ghana Cocoa Board, Ghana Standards Authority, farmers, World Cocoa Foundation, Fairtrade International and 
Mondelez Ghana. We acknowledge their time and dedication to the development of thi s document. Special 
acknowledgement goes to the management of Ghana COCOBOD for funding the development process.  
 
Introduction  
1. Cocoa plant, varieties grown in Ghana  
Cocoa, Theobroma cacao L, is an essential crop in the provision of raw materials, food, em ployment, income, poverty 
reduction [1] and also serves as a support to the multibillion global chocolate industry. Cocoa thrives well in areas 
with rainfall between 1100mm and 3000mm per annum but for optimum production, preference is given to areas with 
rainfall between 1500mm -2000mm and a dry season of not more than three months with less than 100mm rain per 
month. In addition, cocoa requires maximum temperatures ranging between 30 -320C and minimum 18 -210C with 
relative humidity of 100% at night and abou t 70-80% during the day. Cocoa is successfully grown in the forested areas 
of Ghana. Types of cocoa grown in Ghana are the forastero (Eg. Amelonado), criollo, Trinitario and the hybrid.  
 
Forastero cocoa has its origin from high Amazonia (Peru, Ecuador and Colombia) and the Amazon basin (Brazil) and 
is commonly used for selection of breeding varieties. The criollo which has its origin from Mexico, Nicaragua, 
Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuala a nd Indonesia possesses pleasant aroma but is vulnerable to diseases. The 
trinitario which originated from Trinidad and Venezuela is an intermediate between Forastero and Criollo and also 
known to be highly susceptible to black pod disease. Hybrid cocoa pre sents several advantages over other cocoa 
types. Hybrid cocoa yields more pods per tree; has more than two harvest seasons in a year (compared with 
“Amelonado”); and has a shorter gestation period of three years as opposed to at least five years for older cocoa 
varieties. The introduction of the hybrid cocoa in Ghana is one of the numerous agricultural innovations to improve 
yield for sustainable cocoa production. The average yield of cocoa in Ghana is about 400 kilograms per hectare which 
falls below the e xpected optimal production level.  
 In Ghana, majority of the farmers operate individually as owners of the farms, with few operating collectively as 
cooperative or contract farming. Cocoa production serves as a major source of livelihood for most rural dw ellers in 
the ten (10) cocoa growing regions of the country in the provision of income to sustain farm families. The dry cocoa 
beans produced are sold to COCOBOD through the Licensed Buying Companies (LBC’s). Private partners play 
instrumental role in the cocoa value chain including service provision, input credit and global market accessibility 
through certification for sustainable cocoa production. In Ghana, the cocoa industry is regulated by Ghana Cocoa 
Board; the only government institution mandated by law to monitor and control the activities of actors in the cocoa 
value chain.  
 
2. Farming practices and challenges  
The contribution of Africa to the chocolate industry is well emphasized as about 70% of production is generated from 
the continent. This remark able contribution had its source from smallholders that strive for daily improvement of 
livelihoods in their bid for sustainable production.  
 
Ghana became the leading cocoa producer and exporter of dried cocoa beans from 1939 to mid -1960 [3] but currently 
is the second in the world’s cocoa production and export after Cote D’Ivoire. The cocoa sector plays a major role in 
the development of the economy of Ghana as the sector contributes over 30 percent of the overall foreign earnings 
and also has th e potential of reducing poverty and income insecurity in the country [4, 5]. To improve productivity of 
cocoa, adherence to good agronomic practices such as pruning, integrated soil fertility and pest management, timely 
weeding, timely harvesting and prope r fermentation is required.  
 
The assessment of global cocoa economy between 2011/2012 and 2022/2023 identified steady decline in cocoa stock 
[2]. The cocoa sector just like the other sectors has some challenges that if not addressed are likely to militate against 
the realization of the sectors objectives. Factors that affect cocoa production include low cocoa productivity, declining 
soil fertility, pests and diseases, unavailability of inputs, high cost of inputs, planting of low yielding varieties, outdat ed 
production systems, inefficient marketing systems, poor farm management practices, adverse effects of weather, low 
adoption of innovations and agronomic practices, technology and knowledge transfer as well as inadequate extension 
and advisory services.  
 
The production of cocoa is largely dominated by smallholders who operate at very low levels of productivity due to 
limited resources. In the past, most of the increases in agricultural production were achieved through the expansion 
of cultivated land and intensive use of labour, rather than the use of improved farming technologies. As agricultural 
land becomes scarce due to increased population growth coupled with the rise in environmental problems, and the 
migration of economically active rural dwellers t o the urban areas, the adoption of innovative farm technologies, for 
instance, hybrid seeds and new farm practices to increase output, has become necessary. Nevertheless, where there 
is the introduction of new crop varieties, the expectation of increased o utput has not been fully achieved since adoption 
remained slow across farmers. Pests and diseases have emerged to threaten cocoa production as well as sustainability to the farmer, environment and industry [6, 7]. Pests and diseases could reduce crop yield  from 20 to 
86% in West Africa [8].  
 
Another challenge to the sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa is agricultural land use conflict between cocoa farming and 
gold mining. Gold mining has taken precedence over cocoa farming due to the higher and quick returns t o gold mining 
as land use [9]. The competition for agricultural land between cocoa farmers and illegal miners remains a challenge 
to the cocoa sector as land used for cocoa are converted by illegal miners for mining purposes. The influx of miners 
in the co ca growing communities has also resulted in the shift in labour from the agricultural sector to the mining sector 
leading to high cost of labour which adversely affects cocoa farmers. The pollution of water bodies in farming 
communities results in difficul ty in nursery establishment and spraying of pesticides on farms.  
 
The land tenure in most cocoa growing areas may not favour cocoa farmers as farms are mostly held under tenure 
arrangements as customary land owner’s cocoa farms and tenant cocoa farms. One of the challenges that confronts 
cocoa production is the low adoption of good agronomic practices on the part of cocoa farmers. Information related 
to good agronomic practices such as pruning, weeding, integrated pest management, fertilizer application, ha rvesting 
and fermentation are propagated by Extension Agents of Cocoa Health and Extension Division. Cocoa farmers are 
educated and trained in good agronomic practices from land preparation to harvesting and drying which are 
categorized into training modul es for the operational year. This serves as a means to improve Ghana’s premium 
quality cocoa through sustainable production systems.  
 
Child labour being one of the relevant social issues is a major concern to Ghana Cocoa Board as farmers are 
sensitized thr ough the various extension media platforms.  
 
Ghana Cocoa Board has rolled out productivity enhancement programmes namely: mass pruning, cocoa rehabilitation 
programme for the control of cocoa swollen shoot virus disease, irrigation, cocoa disease and pest  control and fertilizer 
subsidy. In addition, farmers are also trained in climate smart agriculture to ensure resiliency and adaptation in the 
face of climate change.  
 
To ensure farmers livelihood enhancement in the cocoa sector, there is the need to stre ngthen coordination of 
sustainable livelihood programmes among stakeholders. Developing Africa standards for cocoa would ensure the 
production of sustainable cocoa through improved farming systems, quality and traceable cocoa. This would 
complement the eff orts of stakeholders in addressing the challenges in the cocoa sector.  
 
3. Why the need for ARS series?  
The ARSO Standard is being implemented to promote the production of sustainable cocoa beans in response to 
demands from consuming countries for sustainably  produced cocoa. The Standards therefore addresses the three 
pillars of sustainability, namely: economic, social and environmental. The standards therefore address challenges 
such as: deforestation, climate change, worst forms of child labour, building far mers’ capacity to run their farms as businesses to improve their livelihoods and ensuring the traceability and quality of cocoa produced. The Standard is 
practicalized with a country implementation guide that takes cognizance of traditions, cultures, land tenure systems & 
laws of the relevant country.  
 
The ARSO series have been developed with the welfare of the cocoa farmer at the Centre, to protect their ownership 
and access to land for farming, build their capacity as an entrepreneur to access financial o ptions that are available 
and protect and improve their incomes and livelihoods.  
The Standards further recognizes the regulatory power of COCOBOD as a legal entity responsible for the development 
of the Implementation Guide and approval of Certification bo dies to implement the Certification Scheme.  
 
4. Development of the ARS series  
The ARS 1001 series was developed from the ISO 34101 series which stipulated requirements for the production of 
sustainable and traceable cocoa at the international level. It was noted however that there were critical issues 
bordering on the different farming practices for different regions of the world. Since Africa comprises the world’s largest 
cocoa producers, it was necessary to initiate the development of home -grown standards which would address unique 
issues that face cocoa farmers in Africa. Both series of standards are extensive in addressing various aspects of 
cocoa farming and trade. C ompliance to the standards will be the optimal approach to assuring sustainable quality i n 
cocoa production. The standards outline the controls required to manage risks that may impact on the quality of cocoa 
beans as well as tools to help the cocoa farmers to improve upon their operations, become more profitable and ensure 
customer satisfacti on.  
 
In 2019, shortly after the publication of ISO 34101 series, the governments of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire formed a joint 
presidential technical committee to tease out critical issues for the proper implementation of these standards in the 
African contex t. The Ghana Cocoa Board and Conceil de Café de Cacao engaged a consultant to prepare working 
draft documents in this regard. They presented a proposal to ARSO Secretariat for the development of regional 
standards for sustainably produced cocoa and require ments for its equivalent certification scheme.  
 
In January 2020 the process commenced for the development of regional standards for sustainable and traceable 
cocoa production in Africa. It was agreed by ARSO TMC that all countries within the region involve d in cocoa 
production will be engaged in the work of the Technical Committee. In June 2021, the documents were approved and 
published by ARSO.  
 
Purpose And Scope  
The purpose of this document is for use as a guideline for establishing and implementing a cocoa farming 
management system that ensures production of sustainable and traceable cocoa beans. It also gives guidance to 
certification bodies and scheme owners on  implementing a certification scheme and auditing the cocoa farm 
management system to ensure compliance to regulatory and other quality requirements.  
 References  
The following references are the source material used in the development of this implementati on guide:  
ARS 1001 -1  Sustainable cocoa — Part 1: Requirements for Cocoa Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/ Farmer 
Cooperative — Management systems and Performance  
ARS 1001 -2  Sustainable cocoa — Part 2: Requirements for Cocoa Quality and Traceability  
ARS 1 001-3  Sustainable cocoa — Part 3: Requirements for Cocoa Certification Scheme  
 
 GHANA  
STANDARD  DGS IG  
1: 2023  
First Edition 2023
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National Implementation Guide for GS ARS 1000 — Part 1: 
Requirements for Cocoa Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/ Farmer 
Cooperative — Management Systems and Performance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reference No. FDARS 1000-1:2021(E) 
ICS 67.140.30 
 
 
© ARSO 2021DGS IG  1: 2023 DGS IG  1: 2023 
First Edition 2023  
 
 
  
 
Table of contents 
Introduction............................................................................................................................. .................  v 
1      Scope ............................................................................................................................. ................  1 
2      Norm ative references .....................................................................................................................  1 
3      Terms  and definitions .....................................................................................................................  1 
4      General requirements ...................................................................................................................  11 
4.1       Understanding Cocoa Farmer  as an Entity/Farmer  Group/Farmer Cooperative its context11 
4.2       Registration of Cocoa Farmer Entity individual farmers to Group/Farmer  Cooperative ...... 11 
4.3 Establishing the scope of the cocoa sustainability management system...................................  14 
5      Leadership ............................................................................................................................. ....... 14 
5.1       Leadership and commitment ...............................................................................................  14 
5.2       Policy ............................................................................................................................. ...... 15 
5.3       Organizational roles, responsibilities and authorities ..........................................................  15 
6      Planning for Recognized Entity Management System .................................................................  16 
6.1       Risk and opportunities .........................................................................................................  16 
6.2       Management objectives .......................................................................................................  16 
7      Support for Recognized Entity’s Management System ................................................................  16 
7.1       Resources............................................................................................................................  16 
7.2       Com petence ........................................................................................................................  17 
7.3 Sensitization ............................................................................................................................. .. 17 
7.4       Com munication ..................................................................................................... ...............  17 
7.5       Documented information......................................................................................................  17 
8      Operational activities ....................................................................................................................  18 
8.1       Annual work  plan for the Recognized Entity ........................................................................  18 
8.2       Cocoa Farm Development Plan (CFDP) .............................................................................  18 
9      Performance evaluation ...............................................................................................................  20 
9.1       Monitoring and measurem ent ..............................................................................................  20 
9.2       Internal audit ........................................................................................................................  20 
9.3       Management review ............................................................................................................  21 
10        Improvement for Management System ....................................................................................  22 
11        Requirements related to economic aspects .............................................................................  22 
11.1     General ............................................................................................................................. ... 22 
11.2     Capacity building on accounting and enabling access to financial credits ..........................  23 
11.3     Farm  agronomic performance and good agricu ltural practices ...........................................  23 
12        Requirements related to social aspects ...................................................................................  25 
12.1     General ............................................................................................................................. ... 25 
12.2     Hum an rights policy .............................................................................................................  25 
12.3     Prevention of discrimination, harassment and abuse..........................................................  26 
12.4     Gender equality and women and youth empowerment .......................................................  26 
12.5     Children's  rights ...................................................................................................................  27 
12.6     Child labour and worst forms of child labour .......................................................................  27 
12.7     Employment and contractual relations ................................................................................  28 
12.8     Occupational health and safety ...........................................................................................  28 
12.9     Social security systems .......................................................................................................  29 
12.10        Freedom of association and collective bargaining policy ................................................  29 
13        Requirements related to environmental aspects .....................................................................  29 
13.1     General ............................................................................................................................. ... 29 
13.2     Protection of water bodies ...................................................................................................  30 
13.3     Requirements for administration and safe stora ge of agrochemicals .................................  30 
13.4     Ecosystem protection ..........................................................................................................  31 
13.5     Waste management.............................................................................................................  32 
Annex A (norma tive) Process for establishing the Cocoa Farm Development Plan (CFDP) ..............  33 
Annex B............................................................................................................................. ....................  36 
(informative) Guidance for estimating start-up and recurring costs.................................................  36 
Annex C (normative) Informat ion on individual farms for cocoa farm diagnosis .................................  39 
Annex D (normative) Implementation and content of the Cocoa Farm Development Plan (CFDP).... 41 
Annex E (informative) Cocoa Farm Development Plan (CFDP)— Guidance for registered  farmers .. 42 
Alphabetical Index of Terms..................................................................................................................  43 
Bibliography ............................................................................................................................. .............  46 
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
  
 
 
National Implementation Guide for GS ARS 1000 — Part 1: 
Requirements for Cocoa Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/ Farmer 
Cooperative — Management Systems and Performance 
 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
1 Scope 
 
This African Standard specifies the requirements for Cocoa Farmer  as an Entity/Farmer  Group/ Farmer  
Cooperative also called Recognized Entity to comply with Management Systems  and for perfo rmance relating to 
structuring their management to enhance performance and meet the e conomic, social and environmental pillars for 
sustainable cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao Linnaeus) product ion. 
 
2 Normative references 
 
There are no normative references. 
 
3 Terms and definitions 
 
For the purpose of this Standard the following terms and definitions apply. 
 
3.1 
abuse 
abuse against a person who is treated with violence, contempt or indignity. 
 
3.2 
agricultural worker 
person engaged in agriculture, whether as a wage earner  or a self-employed person such as  a tenant or 
sharecropper. 
 
3.3 
agroforestry 
agrofore stry is the interaction of agriculture and trees, including the agricultural use of trees. This comprises  trees 
on farms and in agricultural landscapes, farming in forests and along forest margins and tree-crop production, 
including cocoa, coffee, rubber and oil palm. Interactions between trees and other components of agriculture may 
be important at a range of scales: in fields (where  trees and crops are grown together), on farms  (where trees may 
provide fodder for livestock, fuel, food, shelter or  income from products including timber) and landscapes (where  
agricultural and forest land uses combine in determining the provision of ecosystem services). 
 
3.4 
annual work plan 
set of defined activities over a period of one year which are interconnected and contribute to the same broader aim 
or objective (3.55). 
 
3.5 
audit 
systematic, independent and documented pro cess for obtaining objective evidence (3.7) and evaluating it objectively 
to determine the  extent to which the audit criteria (3.6) are fulfilled. An audit could be internal or external. 
 
Note 1: An internal audit is condu cted by the Recognised Entity itself or by an external party on its beha lf.  
 
Note2: External audits include those generally called second- and third -party  audits. Second party audits are conducted by parties having an interest in the 
Recognized Entity, such as customers or by other persons on their behalf. Third party audits are conducted by external, independent auditing bodies. 
 
3.6 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 audit criteria 
set of policies (3.58), procedures or requirements (3.66) used as a reference against which audit evidence 
(3.7) is compared. 
 
Note 1: If the audit criteria are legal (including statutory or regulatory) requirements, the terms “complia nt” or “noncomplia nt” are often used in an audit finding. 
 
Note 2: Within the meaning of ISO 1901 1 [3]. 
 
3.7 
audit evidence 
records, statements of fact or other informa tion which are relevant to the audit criteria (3.6) and verifiable. 
 
Note 1: Audit evidence can be qualitative or quantitative.  
 
Note 2: Within the meaning of ISO 1091 1 [3]. 
 
3.8 
audit findings 
results of the evaluation of the collected audit evidence (3.7) against audit criteria (3.6). 
 
Note 1: Audit findings indicate conformity (3.19) or nonconformity (3.54) . 
 
Note 2: Audit findings can lead to the identification of oppor tunities for improvement or recording good practices. 
 
Note 3: If the audit criteria are selected from legal or other requirements, the audit finding is termed compliance or non- complia nce. 
 
Note 4: Within the meaning of ISO 1901 1 [3] 
 
3.9 child  
human being below the age of 18 years 
 
Note 1: As defined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and referred to in the ILO Convention 182 [9].  
 
Note 2: National applicable statutory or regulatory requirements may define a different age limit for a child. 
 
3.10 
child  labour  
work  that deprives children (3.9) of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to  their physical 
and mental development. 
 
Note 1: Child labour specifically refers to work, hazardou s or not, that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerou s and harmful to children, and 
interferes with their schooling by depriving them of the oppor tunity to attend school, or obligi ng them to leave school prematurely, or requiring them to attempt 
to combine school attendan ce with excessively long and heav y work. 
 
Note 2: Child labour is differentiated from child/light work. 
 
Note 3: Child labour is described in the ILO Convention 138 [13]. 
 
3.11 
child/light  work 
work  performed by children (3.9) that is appropr iate for their age and level of maturity and which does not affect their 
health and personal development or interfere with their schooling. 
 
Note: Child/light work includes activities such as helping their parent s aroun d the home or assisting in non-hazardou s activities on a cocoa farm outside 
school hours and/or during schoo l holidays. Child/light work encompasses the kind of activities that contribute to children’s development and to the welfare 
of their families; they provide them with skills and experience, and help to prepar e them to be productive members of society. 
 
3.12 coachi ng 
further  specialist training or support to an individual farmer or group of farmers (3.34) as appropriate 
 
3.13 coc oa 
cocoa beans (3.14) or derived products. 
 
3.14 
cocoa  bean DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 seed of the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao Linnaeus), commercially, and for the purposes of this African 
Standard, the term refers to the whole seed, which has been ferme nted and dried. 
 
3.15 
cocoa  farm 
one or several cocoa fields 
 
3.16 
cocoa  farm development plan (CFDP) 
documented information (3.26)  to guide registered farmers (3.63), using a stepwise approach, tow ards sustainable 
cocoa farm (3.15) management (3.49). 
 
3.17 
cocoa  field 
parcel of land owned by a specific farmer (3.30) on which cocoa tre es are planted in clearly delineated and 
homogeneous areas  for cocoa (3.13) production 
 
Note 1: Parameters for homogeneou s areas can be planting materials, good agricultural practices, soil fertility and farm conditions such as age and 
density of the trees. 
 
Note 2: A cocoa field can include other crops additional to cocoa trees. 
 
3.18  
competence 
ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve intended results 
 
Note: Demonstrated competence is sometimes referred to as qualification. 
 
3.19 co nformity 
fulfilment of a requirement (3.66).  
 
3.20 
continual improvement  
recurring activity to enhance performance 
 
Note: The  process of establishing objectives (3.7) and finding oppor tunities for improvement (3.20) is a continual process throug h the use of assessment and 
audit (3.8), analysis of data, management reviews or other means. 
 
3.21 
corrective  action 
action to eliminate the cause of a nonconformity (3.54) and to prevent recurrence. 
 
Note 1: There can be more than one cause for a nonconformity. 
 
Note 2: Corre ctive action (3.21) is taken to prevent recurren ce wherea s preven tive action is taken to prevent occurren ce. 
 
3.22 
cost recovery mechanisms 
contractual arrangements allowing first buyers (3.37) or internal and exter nal parties concerned  to recover all or part 
of their investment in terms  of initial start-up costs of implementation (3.72) over a period of time from the farmer 
premium (3.35), to enable the Farmer  as an  Entity/Group of Farme rs/Farmer  Cooperative (3.32)  to receive a fair 
percentage of the said farmer prem ium (3.35). EXA MPLE: Cost recovery mechanisms may include long-term 
relationships or agreements for right of first refusal. 
 
Note: Fair  percentage of the premium refers to the fair sharing rate, in propor tion to what is due to each, allowing the Recognized Entity to cover the 
costs of implem entation, according to the expected recovery mechanism. 
 
3.23 
client 
person or entity that could or does receive a product or a service that is intended for or required by th is person 
or entity. 
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 3.24 
deforestation 
conversion of forest to other land uses  regardless of whether it is man-made (3.51) or not. 
 
3.25 dis crimination 
any distinction, exclusion or prefer ence made on the basis of race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, political opinion, 
national or social origin, etc., which has the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in 
respect of employment or occupation. 
 
Note: Discriminatory practices include, among others, unequa l pay for equivalent work, unequa l access to better paid jobs and positions of responsibility, 
mandator y pregnanc y tests during hiring procedure s or at any point in the work process. 
 
3.26 
docu mented information 
information required to be controlled and maintained by a Recognised Entity (3.62) and the medium on  which it is 
contained. 
 
Note 1: Documented information can be in any format and media and from any source.  
 
Note 2: Documented information can refer to: 
— the Manage ment Systems including related processes; 
— information created in order for the Recognised Entity to opera te (documentation); 
— evidence of results achieved (records). 
 
3.27 
ecosystem  
dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting as 
a functional unit. 
 
3.28 
effectiveness 
extent to which planned activities are realized and planned results are achieved. 
 
3.29 
endan gered species 
wild species that is in imminent danger of becoming extinct from the country or planet earth. Applies to  any species 
at risk of extinction in the short or medium term. 
 
3.30 
farmer 
individual that owns a farm. 
 
Note: This includes a tenant, but excludes a sharecroppe r who work s on a farm on beha lf of the farm owner . 
 
3.31 
farmer as an entity 
a farmer with enough resources to stand on their own to meet the standard requirements (3.66). 
 
3.32 
farmer as an entity/farmer group/farmer cooperative (Reco gnized Entity)  
person or group  of people that has its own functions with responsibilities, authorities and relationships to  achieve its 
objectives (3.55). 
 
Note: The concept of Recognized Entity includes farmer coopera tive, individual cocoa farmer (3.31) and farmer group (3.34) 
 
3.33 
farmer's cooperative  
an independent grouping of persons who have come together voluntarily to meet their common economic, social 
and cultural wants and needs, through a jointly owned and m anaged entity in which power  is vested democratically 
and according to cooperative principles. The cooperative society may, in addition to its co-operators who  are its DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 main users, deal with non- cooperating users within the limits set by the articles of association. The cooperative 
society shall be set up and run-in accordance with universally recognized cooperative principles, namely: 
a) voluntary and open membership; 
b) the  democratic power vested in the co-operators; 
c) the economic participation of the co-operators; 
d) autonomy and independence; 
e) education, training and information; 
f) co-operation between organisations with a co-operative nature; 
g) voluntary commitment to the community; 
 
Any discrimination (3.25) based on sex or ethnic, religious or political affiliation is prohibited. 
 
Note: Within the meaning of the OHADA Uniform Act of December 15th, 2010 relating  to the rights of Coopera tive Societies (Articles 4,5,6) [22]. 
 
3.34 
farmer group 
an association consisting of legally registered cocoa farmers/ producers. 
 
3.35 
farmer premium 
funds payment to a registered farmer  (3.63) for sustainably produced cocoa in addition to the actual price  for 
equivalent cocoa. 
 
Note 1: Farmer premium is paid in cash or bank transfer or any legal accepted form of payment. 
 
Note 2: Farmer premium is additional money paid by the first buyer of a certified sustainable cocoa produ ct to compensate the farmer for effort made to be 
in complia nce with ARSO standards. 
 
Note 3: The Recognized Entity also bene fits from this farmer premium. 
 
3.36 
fertilizer  
material of natural or synthetic origin (other than liming materials) that is applied to soils or to plant tissues (usually 
leaves) to supply one or more plant nutrients essential to the growth and productivity of plants. 
 
Note 1: This covers a) organ ic and inorgan ic fertilizer; b) soil applied and foliar fertilizer; c) single  and compound fertilizer. 
 
Note 2: It does not cover the function of organic material to increase or maintain the microbial soil life necessary to facilitate nutrient uptake. 
 
3.37 
first buyer 
initial player in the supply chain that purchases sustainable cocoa from the certificate holder . 
 
3.38 
forced labour 
work  that is performed  involuntarily and under the menace of any penalty. 
 
Note: Forced labour refers to situations in which persons are coerced to work throug h the use of violence or intimidation or by subtler means such as ma nipulated 
debt, retention of identity papers or threats of denunciation to immigration authorities 
 
3.39 
forest degradation 
reduction in tree biomass density due to natural or human-induced causes such as logging, forest fires, windfalls 
and other events. 
 
3.40 
gender 
socially constructed characteristics of women and men. 
 
Note: Socially constructed characteristics include norms, roles and relationships of and between groups of women and men. 
 
3.41 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 habitat 
natur al home or environment of an animal, plant or other organism. 
 
3.42 
harassmen t: 
a series of repeated hostile acts aimed at psychologically and/or physically weakening the victim. 
 
3.43 
hazardous  work 
work  carried out in dangerous or unhealthy conditions that could result in injuries and/or illness as a consequence 
of poor safety and health conditions and working arrangements. 
 
Note 1: Some injuries or ill health can result in permanent disability. 
 
Note 2: Often health problems caused by working in unhea lthy environments may not develop or show up until several years after the exposure to the unhea lthy 
conditions. 
 
Note 3: Dangerou s work is work that affects the safety and health of the worker . 
 
Note 4: Each party to ILO Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour adopt s a national list of hazardou s activities for children (3.9) 
 
3.44 
hired agricultural worker 
agricultural worker (3.2) employed for agricultural activities and paid for the e xecution of these activities. 
 
Note 1: A hired worker (3.44) is distinct from a family labourer .  
 
Note 2: This m ay also include paid working group s. 
 
3.45 
hom ologated fertilizer 
fertilizer (3.36) which is authorised for usage by an  approved authority. 
 
3.46 
household  
a group of related or unrelated persons who recognize the authority of an individual called the h ead of hou sehold 
living together in the same dwelling, in the same compound, and whose resources are p ooled in wh ole or in part to 
meet living expenses and who usually eat meals together. 
 
3.47 
human  rights 
set of equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family. 
 
Note: Human rights are specified in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948 ), the International Convention on Economic Social and Cultural Rights 
(1966) , as well as other conventions, treaties and national laws. 
 
3.48 
integrated pest and disease manageme nt 
approach that emphasises the grow th of a healthy crop with the least possible disruption to agro- ecosystems and 
encourages natural pest and disease control mechanisms. 
 
Note 1: Natural pest and disease control mechanisms can be such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of 
resistant varieties 
 
Note 2: Integrated pest and disease manage ment is a consideration of all available plant protection me thods and subsequen t integration of appropriate me asures 
that discourag e the development of popu lations of harmful organ isms and keep the use of plant protection products and other forms of intervention to levels that 
are economically and ecologically justified and reduce or minimise risks to human health and the environment. As described in the University of California State-
wide Integrated Pest Manage ment Project, 1997 [27] and Directive 2009 /128/EC [5]. 
 
3.49 
manageme nt 
coordinated activities to direct and control a Recognized Entity (3.62). 
 
Note: Manage ment (3.49) can include establishing policies (3.58) and objectives (3.55) and processes (3.60) to achieve these objectives. DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
  
3.50 
manageme nt systems 
set of interrelated or interacting elements of recognised entity (3.62) to establish policies (3.58) and objectives 
(3.55) and processes (3.60) to achieve those objectives. 
 
Note 1: A Manage ment System can addre ss a single discipline  or several disciplines, e.g. sustainability manage ment or food safety man agement or both or 
more. 
 
Note 2: The  scope of a Management System may include the whole of the Recognised Entity, specific and identified functions of the Recognised 
Entity, specific and identified sections of the Recognised Entity, or one or more functions across a group of Recognised Entity. 
 
3.51 
man-made 
phenomena that may be the result of the presence or agency of a human being. 
 
3.52 
measurement  
process to determine a value 
 
3.53 
monitoring 
determining the status of a system (3.75), a process (3.60) or an activity. 
 
Note: To d etermine the status, there is a need to check, supervise or critically observe 
 
3.54 
nonco nformity 
non-fulfilment of a requirement (3.66). 
 
3.55 
objective 
result to be achieved. 
 
Note 1: An objective can be strategic, tactical, or operat ional. 
 
Note 2: Objectives can relate to different disciplines (such as financial, health and safety, and environmental objectives) and can apply at different levels (such 
as strategic, Recognized Entity-wide, project, produ ct, service and process). 
 
Note 3: An objective can be expressed in other ways, e.g. as an intende d result, a purpose, an operat ional criterion, as a cocoa sustainability objective, or 
by the use of other word s with similar meaning (e.g. aim, goal, or target). 
 
3.56 
objective evidence  
data supporting the existence or verity of something 
 
Note 1: Objective evidence can be obtained throug h observation, measurement, and test or by other means. 
 
Note 2: Objective evidence for the purpo se of the audit criteria genera lly consist of records, statements of fact or other information which are relevant to 
the audit criteria and which are verifiable. 
 
3.57 
performance 
measurable result. 
 
Note 1: Performance can relate either to quantitative or qualitative findings. 
 
Note 2: Performance can relate to the manage ment of activities, processes, produ cts, services, systems or recogn ised entity. 
 
3.58 
policy 
orientations and direction of a recognised entity, as formally expre ssed by its top management. 
 
3.59 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 primary forest 
forest that has never been logged or cut and has developed following natural disturbances and under natur al 
processes, regardless of its age. 
 
3.60 
process 
set of interrelated or interacting activities which transforms inputs into outputs. 
 
Note 1: Inputs to a process are genera lly the outputs of other processes. 
 
Note 2: Processes in a Recognised Entity are genera lly planned and carried out unde r controlled conditions to add value. 
 
3.61 
protected area 
clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, 
to achieve the long-term conservation of  nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. 
 
3.62 
recogni sed entity (farmer as an entity/farmer group/farmer cooperative)  
person or gro up of people that has its own functions with responsibilities, authorities and relationships to achieve its 
objectives (3.55). 
 
Note: The concept of Recognized Entity includes farmer coopera tive, individual cocoa farmer (3.31) and farmer group (3.34) 
 
3.63 
regist ered farmer 
individual cocoa farmer  or who is part of a Farmer  Group (3.34)/Farmer  Cooperative (3.33) and is recognized 
by the Regulator/Legal Entity (3.65). 
 
3.64 
regular hired worker 
agricultural worker (3.2) employed over several periods of time by the same farmer/e mployer to perform 
agricultural activities. 
 
3.65 
regulator/legal  entity 
legal entity responsible for the development and maintenance of a specific Certification Scheme and the  approval 
of Certification Bodies to implement the Certification Scheme. 
 
3.66 
requirement  
need or expectation that is stated, generally implied or obligatory. 
 
Note 1: “Genera lly implied” means that it is custom or common practice for the Recognized Entity and intereste d parties that the need or expectation unde r 
consideration is implied. 
 
Note 2: A specified requirement is one that is stated, for example  in documented information. 
 
3.67 
resilience 
capacity of people or recognised entity (3.62) to anticipate, prepare for, respond and adapt to and recover from 
changes, stresses and shocks. 
 
3.68 
risk 
effect of uncertainty on objectives (3.55). 
 
Note 1: An effect is a deviation  from the expe cted — positive or nega tive. 
 
Note 2: Uncertainty is the state, even partial, of deficiency of information related to, unde rstanding or knowledge of, an event, its consequen ce, or likelihood. 
 
3.69 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 risk inven tory 
identification of risks (3.68) that might occur within the local context of the Re cognized Entity (3.62). 
 
Note 1: Risks may be specified according to the topic of the risk inventory. 
 
Note 2: The lo cal context includes the activities of the Recognized Entity (3.62) and registered farmers (3.63). 
 
3.70 
secondary forest 
forest that has been logged and has recovered naturally or artificially. 
 
Note: It also includes degrade d forest that has lost its nature (the structure , function, species composition or produ ctivity normally associated with a natural 
forest) throug h human activities. 
 
3.71 
stakeh older 
person or entity that can affect or be affected by a decision or activity 
 
3.72 
start-up costs  of implementation 
up-front investment (i.e. marginal costs to the Recognised Entity (3.62)). 
 
Note: This is distinct from recurring operational costs. 
 
3.73 
supplier 
person or entity that provides a product or a service. 
 
EXAMPLE: Producer, distributor, retailer or vendo r of a produ ct or a service.  
 
Note 1: A provider can be internal or external to the entity. 
 
Note 2: In a contractual situation, a supplier is sometimes called a  “contractor”. 
 
3.74 
sustainabili ty 
state of a system (3.75), including economic, social and environmental aspects, in which the needs of  the present 
are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 
 
Note: In the ARS 1000 series, “sustainability” is referred to as an objective rather than a requirement. 
 
3.75  
system  
set of interrelated or interacting elements. 
 
3.76 
temporary hired worker 
agricultural worker (3.2) employed for a defined period of time to perform agricultural activities during th is period. 
 
3.77 
threatened  spec ies 
species declared threatened if it meets at least one of these precise criteria (habitat loss, significant population 
decline, genetic erosion, overhunting or over-fishing, etc.) defined by the IUCN. 
 
3.78 
top manageme nt 
leadership of recognised entity (3.62). Person or  group of people who directs and controls an entity at the  highest 
level. 
 
Note 1: Top ma nage ment has the powe r to delegate authority and provide resources within the recognised entity. 
 
Note 2: If the scope of the Management Systems covers only part of a Recognised Entity, then top management refers to those who direct and control that part 
of the Recognised Entity. DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
  
3.79 
traceability  
ability to follow the physical movement of sustainably produc ed cocoa through specified stage(s) of product ion, 
marketing and processing. 
 
3.80 
wage worker 
person who works for a public or priva te employer and receives remuneration in wages, salary, commission, 
piece-rates or pay in kind. 
 
3.81 
worst forms of child labour 
worst forms of child labour (3.10) according to ILO Convention 182 are: 
a) all forms  of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale, trafficking of children (3.9), debt b ondage and 
serfdom or compulsory labour, including forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in arm ed conflict; 
b) the use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic 
performance s; 
c) the use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and traf ficking of 
drugs  as defined in the relevant international treaties; 
d) work  which, by  its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or 
morals of children (hazardous  work). 
 
Note: Wors t forms of child labour a), b) and c) are known as the unconditional forms of child labour and are prohibited without regar d to the age of the child, 
the nature of tasks executed, the conditions and circumstances in which those tasks are executed, etc.  Wors t forms of child labour that are conditional 
and have to be defined locally, throug h the nationally defined list of hazardous work, are captured under d). 
 
3.82 yo uth 
time of life covering late childhood and early adulthood. 
 
Note: There is no legal definition of the term nor any exact age range to qualify this period of life. The definition of youth varies from country to country. 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
4 General requirements 
 
4.1 Understanding Cocoa Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Farmer Cooperative and its context 
 
Cocoa Farmers /Farmer Groups/Farmer Cooperatives as Entities shall: 
 
a) deter mine issues that are relevant to their existence and affect their ability to achieve the intended result of 
sustainable cocoa production; 
 
b) identify any threat to their capacity to improve their livelihoods and resilience. 
Guidance  
Different entities can implement this family of standards and apply for certification thereof. A farmer with enough 
resources to stand on his/her  own to meet the ARS 1000  requirements qualifies as an entity. A group of farmers or 
farmer cooperative can organize themselves as an entity and obtain the necessary structures and facilities in order 
to meet the requirements of ARS 1000 and/or apply for certification.  
 
In all cases the entity must determine how to achieve the requirements outlined in the document and what challenges 
they may encounter while implementing them. The entity must have the required resources to achieve sustainable 
cocoa production.  
Year of Application  
12 Mont hs After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
4.2 Regist ration  of Cocoa  Farmer as Entity and individual  farmers to become membe rs of Farmer 
Group/Farmer Cooperative  
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 4.2.1  Specific communication to Farmer as an Entity (sensitization proc ess) 
 
Prior to the registration, the Regulator/Legal Entity shall inform the Farmer  as an  Entity of: 
 
a) the objectives and scope of this standard; 
 
b) the cocoa sustainability activities for fulfilling the requirements specified in this Standard including: 
 
1) the services to be provided when  registered;  
 
2) the requirements to be fulfilled after registration: 
 
- the CFDP process (Annex A); 
 
- the economic, social and environmental requirements specified in this document. 
 
3) the audit process (internal and external audit) 
 
c) generic estimates of the costs of implementation to produce  sustainable cocoa and benefits to be  realized as a 
result of fulfilling the requirements specified in this document; 
 
d) the information expected to be kept in trust by the Regulator/Legal Entity, including the pro cess of accessing it 
with a copy given to the Far mer as an Entity in confidence: 
 
1) how confidential information is treated; 
 
2) the potential risks of sharing personal informa tion; 
 
4) the right to access information; 
 
5) the use of data by any interested parties. 
 
Note 1: Any legal entity or private individual intending to gather information on Farmers / Farmer group s / Coopera tives covered by this Standard 
comply with the applicable legislation  on data collection, processing and prote ction. This data may  be submitted to the Regu lator. /Lega l Entity. 
 
e) The financial agreements of the  Recognized Entity with the buyers or other interested parties, if applicable. 
 
Note 2: Financial agree ments include farmer premiums and the costs of implem entation, including cost recovery me chanisms. 
 
After registration, the farmer as an entity will in turn sensitize all hired workers of requirements of this Standard. 
 
Evidence of this awareness effort shall be maintained in the form of documented information. 
Guidance  
Before a farmer, farmer group or cooperative is registered and recognized as an entity by the Regulator, for the 
purposes of the implementation of ARS 1000, COCOBOD shall ensure that the farmer, or the leadership of the 
farmer group or cooperative is sensitized and has understood what the objectives of the ARS 1000 standards are, 
as well as their role, responsibilities and benefits.  
Year of Application  
Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
4.2.2  Specific communication to farmers considering registr ation 
 
Prior to the registration of farmers  to become member of the Recognized Entity, the Recognised 
Entity shall inform farmers of: 
 
a) the objectives and scope of this document; 
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 b) the cocoa sustainability activities of both parties for fulfilling the requirements specified in this document 
including: 
1) the services to be provided by the Recognized Entity to the farmer  when registered; 
 
2) the requirements to be fulfilled by the farmer after registration: 
 
- the CFDP process (Annex A); 
 
- the economic, social and environmental requirements specified in this document. 
 
3) the audit process (internal and external audit). 
 
c) generic estimates of the costs of implementation to produce  sustainable cocoa and benefits to be  realized 
by the registered farmer as a result of fulfilling the requirements specified in this Standard; 
 
d) the informa tion expected to be kept in trust by the Regulator/Legal Entity including the pro cess 
of accessing it with a copy given to the Farm er Group/ Farmer Cooperative in confidence: 
 
1) all informa tion collected during the registration process and cocoa farm diagnostic pro cesses; 
 
2) how confidential information about farmers  and their activities is trea ted; 
 
3) the potential risks of sharing personal informa tion; 
 
4) the right of farmers to access their information; 
 
5) the use of their data by other interested parties 
 
Note 1: Any legal entity or private individual who intends to collect information on produ cers/group s of produ cers/coopera tives falling within the scope of this 
Standa rd comply with the applicable legislation on data collection, processing and protection. This data may be submitted to the Regulator/Lega l Entity. 
 
e) The financial agreements of the Recognised Entity with the buyers or other interested parties, if 
applicable. 
 
Note 2: Financial agree ments include farmer premiums and the costs of implem entation, including cost recovery me chanisms. 
Guidance  
Before a farmer is registered as a member of a recognized farmer group or cooperative for the purposes of the 
implementation of ARS 1000, the leadership of the farmer group or cooperative shall ensure that the farmer is 
sensitized and has understood what the objectives of the ARS 1000 standards are, as well as his/her role, 
responsibilities and benefits.  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
4.2.3  Regis tration of farmer and Reco gnized Entity 
 
4.2.3.1 Process 
 
The Farmer Group/Farmer  Cooperative shall register the farmers to become part of the Recognised Entity. The 
Regulator/ Legal Entity shall register the Farmer Group/Farmer Cooperative or the Farmer as  Recognized Entities. 
The Recognised Entity shall document that: 
 
a) the registered farmer has been made aware of information specified at the time of registration; 
 
b) the registered  farmer  has been made aware of the conditions for leaving the recognised entity; 
Guidance  
the farmer group or cooperative shall keep documented information on the date of sensitization, participating 
farmers, content of sensitization, name, designation and signature of resource person, in fulfilment of items a & b 
above.  DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 Year of Application  
Year 1  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
4.2.3.1 Process 
 
c) the date of registration of each individual farmer;  
 
d) a contract has been signed between the Recognised Entity and the registered farmer; 
 
e) the Farmer as an Entity and the farmer shall establish CFDP with the help of an agronomist and/or of 
the Farmer Group/ Farmer  Cooperative. 
 
Guidance  
Farmer groups and cooperatives shall keep copies of CFDP and contracts that will include date of registration for 
each farmer in fulfilment of c – e above.  
Year of Application  
Year 1  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
4.2.3.1 Process 
 
If needed, the Farmer Group/Farmer Cooperative shall ensure that the registered farmer  is assisted by  a witness 
who is competent in reading and writing. 
 
The Recognized Entities shall: 
 
a) have ownership of the processes and procedures of the Management System they use; 
 
b) be owner of the Management Systems’ data; 
 
c) access the Management System and the data within them, regardless of commercial relationships with any 
parties, e.g. traders; 
 
The data and reports resulting from these Systems can be shared by the Recognized Entity with any actor including 
other commercial partners. 
Guidance  
The Regulator has vested interest in the use of recognized entity’s data with third parties. The Regulator will 
provide a list of data set which can be shared without permission.  
 
The recognized entity shall be responsible for how the third party uses the data. The Regulator shall respond within 
30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the notification. The Regulator shall indicate the format for notifications 
such as datasets, purpose, intended recipient, etc.  
Year of Application  
Year 1  DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 ARS 1000 -1  
4.2.3.2 Information 
 
The following information shall be obtained and maintained annually for each registered farmer  by 
Recognized Entity with copy kept with the Regulator/ Legal Entity: 
 
a) Nam e; 
 
b) Identification document (ID), if available; 
 
c) Date  of birth or estimated date of birth, if not known; 
 
d) Gender; 
 
e) House hold composition, including names, date of birth and education status; 
 
f) Num ber, gender and age of salaried agricultural workers; 
 
g) Children living in the household, including gender, date of birth, full names of parents, details of school 
attendance at the point of registration, (school’s name, location, class, reason for nonattendance, if applicable), 
kinship with the registered farmer 
 
h) Size of the cocoa farm (using the most effective form of  measurement available to the Recognized 
Entity) and the percentage of its land that is planted with cocoa trees; 
 
i) Num ber and location of cocoa fields; 
 
j) Previous crop year’s production; 
 
k) Legal owner ship rights over the land, if applicable. 
 
l) date of creation of cocoa farm and declaration of establishment of new cocoa farms,  if applicable  
 
m) other crops being grown in the  cocoa farm  
 
n) other information which is necessary 
 
Note 1: The Regulator/ Legal Entity should store the data for a minimum of ten years (10) 
 
Note 2: The Regu lator/ Lega l Entity, before sharing farmers’ persona l data, first ask for authorization from the Recognized Entity. 
 
Note 3: Farmers retain owner ship of their individual data. If a farmer leaves the Recognized Entity, this latter shall delete his/her data within two years. In the 
event that a farmer wishes to become a registered farmer within another Recognized Entity, the Recognized Entity shall provide all of his/her data in a suitable 
format to the farmer 
 
Documentation shall include the registered  farmer’s signature. Where a signature is not possible, a thumbprint 
should be accepted. 
Guidance  
In consideration of the fact that by law COCOBOD is the sole seller of Ghana cocoa beans, and is responsible for 
developing a reliable mandatory national traceability system, the Regulator will obtain and maintain basic data of all 
recognized entities. The  data of each recognised entity with the Regulator shall be used as basic data to develop 
tailor made database with additional data of interest to the entity.  
 
The additional data can be regularly updated by the recognised entity. The Regulator has vested  interest in the use 
of recognized entity’s data (basic and additional) with third parties. The entity shall notify the regulator, before sharing 
the data with a third party. Where the Regulator determines that the sharing of specific data will have no adv erse 
effect on the national interest, the entity may proceed to share the data.  
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 The recognized entity shall be responsible for how the third party uses the data. The Regulator shall respond within 
30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the notifica tion. The Regulator shall indicate the format for notifications 
such as datasets, purpose, intended recipient, etc.  
 
Structure and mechanism for notification for data sharing to be developed by the Regulator  
 
A third party can access the data of specific r ecognized entity/entities upon request to the Regulator and the 
Regulator shall obtain the consent of the recognized entity, except for situations of national interest.  
Year of Application  
Year 1  
 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
5 Leadership 
 
5.1 Leade rship and  commit ment 
 
Top management  of the Recognized Entity shall demonstrate leadership and commitment with respect to this 
document by: 
 
a) ensuring that there are clear roles and responsibilities to promote  internal planning and 
implementation of this Standard 
 
b) taking accountability for the effective management of their system;  
 ARS 1000 -1  
4.3 Esta blishing the sc ope of the cocoa s ustainabi lity management system  
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall set the boundaries and applicability for the cocoa sustainability 
management system so as to establish its scope. 
 
b) When the Recognized Entity establishes such a scope, it shall consider: 
 
i. the external  and internal issues referred to in 4.1; 
 
ii. the requirements of the relevant stakeholders referred to in 4.2. 
 
c) The scope of the cocoa sustainability management system implemented by the Recognized Entity shall be 
available and maintained as documented informat ion. 
 
d) The Recognized Entity shall identify which cocoa farm(s) fall within that scope: 
 
I. In the case where the registered  farmer  has cocoa farms  that are geographically separated from  each 
other, it shall be specified which cocoa farm(s) f a l l  within the scope and which do not.  
 
II. If they are not separated, all cocoa farms  will have to be included in the scope. The Re cognized Entity 
shall apply all requirements of the ARS 1000-1 and ARS 1000-2 series of standards according to the level of 
certification as part of the established scope of the cocoa sustainability management system. 
 
e)   The declaration of  conformity to the series 1000 Standard, in particular ARS 1000-1 and 1000-2 are  only 
acceptable if any requirements termed to be inapplicable do not have any impact on the Re cognized Entity’s 
capability or responsibility to ensure the conformity of sustainably produced cocoa. 
Guidance  
In establishing the scope of the Cocoa Sustainability Management System, the recognized entity shall document 
the list of districts, societies and farmers registered to participate in the implementation of the ARS 1000 standards 
and the specific farms of r egistered farmers.  
Year of Application  
Year 1  DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 c) ensuring that the management policy and objectives are established to direct the Recognized Entities; 
 
d) ensuring that the resources needed for the Management System are available; 
 
e) promo ting improvement; 
 
f) ensuring that applicable statutory and regulatory requirements are determined, understood a nd 
consistently met. 
 
g) The Farmer  as an Entity/Farmer  Group/Farmer  Cooperative shall become a Recognized Entity. 
The License Buying Company (LBC)/Purchaser is not allowed to be a Recognized Entity. Foreign organizations 
are excluded from operating as a Recognized Entity in the cocoa sector. 
Guidance  
 
 
The successful implementation of the management system that produces sustainable cocoa depends on the 
effective commitment of top management. They provide directional leadership for the organization through 
establishment of policies and guidelines for the farm’s operations and continual improvement, providing resources 
for workers and promoting accountability. They are also responsible for ensuring that the entity meets all regulatory 
requirements within their operational jurisdiction.  
 
There should be a w ritten management policy approved by the members of the farmer group or cooperative.  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
5.2 Policy 
 
5.2.1  Manage ment policy 
 
Top m anagement shall establish, implement and maintain a management policy that meet the Recognized 
Entity’s responsibility to respect and protect human rights and the environment. 
Guidance  
Top management is made up of persons who are involved in final decision making of the entity such as the 
board/executives of a cooperative or farmer group. They are responsible for providing all the necessary structures 
and resources to ensure that the recognized entity can meet the requirements of this standard.  
 
Management policy that meets  the Recognized Entity’s responsibility to respect and protect human rights and the 
environment may be embedded in the management policy stated in 5.1 above.  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
5.2.2  Policy’s communication 
 
The management policy shall be: 
 
a) available as documented informa tion; 
 
b) communicated, understood and applied within the Recognized Entity; 
 
c) available to interested parties (actors), as appropriate. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity shall provide a documented plan and keep documented information on the date of 
sensitization, participating farmers, content of sensitization, name, designation and signature of resource person, in 
fulfilment of item b above.  
Year of Application  
Year 5 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
  
ARS 1000 -1  
5.3 Organiz ational roles, responsibilities and authoriti es 
 
5.3.1  Top management shall ensure that the responsibilities and authorities for relevant roles are a ssigned 
communicated within and understood throughout the Recognized Entity. 
 
5.3.2  Top management shall ensure that assignment of leadership positions within the Recognized Entity and 
roles within the Management System shall be non-discriminatory including, but not limited to, discrimination on the 
basis of race, gender, personal relationships, disability, health, marital status, age, HIV/AIDS status, religion, political 
opinion, language, property, ethnicity, or social origin. 
 
5.3.3  The selection process for management, other paid positions and any leadership posts within the  
Recognized Entity shall be open to and encourage wom en and youth participation. 
 
5.3.4  Top management shall assign the responsibility and authority to an individual(s) for: 
 
a) ensuring that the Recognized Entity’s Management System conforms  to the requirements of th is 
Standard; 
 
b) ensuring the education, training and coaching of hired workers/registered  farmers, to meet the 
requirements specified in this Standard, including commitments specified in individual cocoa farm  development 
plan (CFDPs); 
 
c) reporting  on  the  performance of  the  Recognized  Entity’s  Management  System  and  on opportunities 
for improvements to top management; 
 
d) managing the risks of child labour and forced labour where  it exists and contributing to its elimination; 
 
e) ensuring hired workers/registered  farmers are adequately assisted to fulfil the requirements specified 
in this document. 
 
f) managing sustainability risks, ensuring that clear and relevant objectives are articulated in the PDCA  and 
monitoring the attainment of these objectives. 
 
Dependent on the size, complexity and geographical disparity of the Recognized Entity, multiple roles m ay be 
managed by the same individual and roles may also be duplicated across multiple persons. 
 
5.3.5  An organogram,  illustrating the Recognized Entity’s management structure, shall be made available 
throughout the Recognized Entity. 
 
Note: The Regulator/Legal Entity monitors compliance through the relevant certification bodies. 
Guidance  
In addition to the organogram, the recognized entity shall have a list of roles, description of the roles, names of 
responsible persons. These shall be communicated within and understood throughout the Recognized Entity. The 
recognized entity shall keep do cumented information on the date of sensitization, content, participants’ name & 
signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature, in fulfilment of item 5.3.1 above. The 
organization shall have a documented recruitment policy in fulfil ment of item 5.3.2 and 5.3.3. This recruitment policy 
may be embedded in the management policy in 5.1  
 
The recognized entity shall have a capacity building plan and keep documented information on the date of capacity 
building sessions, content, participants’ name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & 
signature, in fulfilment of item 5.3.4 (b) above.  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
6 Planning f or Recognized Entity Manage ment System DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 Guidance  
The Recognized entity should have Internal Management System (IMS) in place to ensure continual improvement 
through the principle of the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle. The general principles of a functioning IMS are:  
• A documented description of the IMS (manual ap proved by the General Assembly)  
• A documented management structure  
• Person responsible for the IMS  
• An internal regulation to ensure compliance  
• Identified internal inspectors  
• Training of the person responsible and the internal inspectors  
• Annual inspections an d reports, and feedback to the members  
• Use of internal sanctions  
• Regularly updated members list  
• Use of risk assessment to address risks and threats to the integrity of the IMS  
 
The Roles and responsibilities of each team member within the IMS should be cle arly indicated and their capacity 
built.  
 
Evidence of implementation includes:  
• Records of training and attendance for IMS team. (Documented information on the date of training, list of 
participants, content of sensitization, name, designation and signature of resource person)  
• IMS Manual  
• Targets set by Recognized entity  
• Assessment report by Leadership  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
6.1 Risk and opp ortunities 
 
When planning for the Recognized Entity’s Management System, the Recognized Entity shall deter mine risks to 
the System and put in measures to address the risks. They shall also look out for opportunities for improvement 
and implement them. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity shall determine risks to its management system and opportunities for improvement using an 
appropriate tool. An example of such a tool can be found in A ppendix 1.  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
6.2 Managem ent objecti ves 
 
The management objectives shall be consistent with the management policy and shall be communicated to all 
levels. 
Guidance  
The management policy developed in fulfilment of clause 5.1 (c) and 5.2.2 (b).  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
7 Support for Recognized Entity’s Manage ment System 
 
7.1 Resou rces 
 
7.1.1  General 
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 The Recognized  Entity shall  determine  and provide  the resources  (e.g.  financial and human  resources, 
infrastructure and inputs) needed for the establishment, implementation, maintenance and continual improvement 
of the Recognized Entity’s Management System in a clear and transparent  way. 
 
The services and costs of buyers or other interested parties must be negotiated without this constituting a condition 
of purchase  
 
Note 1: The services concerned are those listed in Annex B of this Standard.  
 
Note 2: Financing can be nego tiated for the start-up costs of implementation. 
 
Note 3: The  Entities that can finance start-up costs of the implem entation of the Standar d are among others, e.g. buyers, 
financial institutions, regulatory bodies. 
Guidance  
Recognized entities shall have written agreements with buyers and others who wish to provide support/services to 
farmers. Such agreements shall not tie purchases of the entity’s produce to support/services rendered. Agreements 
shall be approved by farmers in the group or cooperative such as through the General Assembly. Copies of such 
agreements shall be lodged with the Regulator. Protocols governing such agreements shall be documented in the 
recognized entity’s management policy.  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
7.1.2  Cost identification and recove ry mechanis ms 
 
The Recognized Entity shall provide a clear costs identification table for the start-up cost of implementation and  
recurring cost to achieve and maintain conformance to this Standard at Recognized Entity’s level as well as at the 
level of the registered farmer.  The Recognized Entity shall use the guidance document provided in Annex B for  
estimating the start-up and recurring costs 
 
The start-up cost of implementation shall be recovered over a period of time through a percentage of the  premium 
obtained from the sale of sustainably produced cocoa beans. The recovery mechanisms 
 
shall be transparent, fair and provide the Recognized Entity and registered farmers with a repayment plan assuring 
them a decent percentage of the premium. 
 
Note 1: Financing can be negot iated for the start-up costs of imple mentation. 
 
Note 2: Any suppor t/financing to the Recognized Entity with a repay ment mechanism is documented, transparent and subject to audit by the Regu lator/Lega l 
Entity. 
 
Note 3: Both the start-up and the recurring costs of implem entation of the Standard s should be reimbursed from the premium depend ing on the financial capacity 
of the farmer throug h the Recognized Entity. 
Guidance  
The farmer group or cooperative should seek and gain agreement from their members through General Assembly 
for any repayment plans, prior to submission of the agreement by the recognised entity, to the regulator for approval 
within 30 days of receipt by the Regulator.  
 
Whatever agreement is reached between the Recognized entity and buyer should be well communicated to the 
farmers.  
Year of Application  
Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
7.2 Compe tence  
 
The Recognized Entity shall: 
 
a) deter mine the necessary competence of person(s) doing work  under its control that affects its 
performance and the effectiveness of the Management System; 
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 b) ensure that the person(s) authorized  to conduct the cocoa farm diagnosis and establish the Co coa 
Farm Development Plan with the registered  farmers has the requisite educational background and is competent in 
sustainable farming practices; 
 
c) retain appropr iate documented information as evidence of competence. 
Guidance  
Person(s) authorized to conduct the cocoa farm diagnosis and establish the Cocoa Farm Development Plan shall 
be literate with a minimum of 5 -year experience in sustainable cocoa farming or senior high school certification with 
no less than 2 -year experience in sustainable cocoa farming.  
 
The Recognized Entity, as part of its capacity building policy, should ensure that identified or hired staff are trained 
for cocoa farm diagnosis and CFDP development.  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registra tion of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
7.3 Sensitization  
 
The Recognized Entity shall ensure that the relevant persons carrying out work  under its control are sensitized 
on: 
 
a) the cocoa sustainability policy; 
 
b) the relevant sustainability goals; 
 
c) the importance of their contribution to the efficiency of the management system, including the ben eficial 
effects of an improvement in cocoa sustainability performance; 
 
d) the repercussions of non-compliance with the requirements of the management system; 
 
e) any relevant informa tion specified as a knowledge requirement in the  Standard. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity shall keep documented information on the date of sensitization sessions, content, participants’ 
name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature, in fulfilment of 7.3 above.  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
7.4 Comm unication  
 
The Recognized Entity shall at least communicate throug hout all levels of the Recognized Entity, the annual work 
plan. 
 
The Recognized Entity shall put in place mechanisms for obtaining feedback, including complaints and 
grievances from the registered farmers or hired/temporary agricu ltural workers if applicable. 
Guidance  
Recognized entity shall develop annual workplans and have a feedback mechanism including hotlines, focal persons 
for receiving complaints, complaint form (including means for anonymous complaints) , log  book, grievance 
committee, grievance resolution, etc. Workplans and feedback mechanism should be communicated throughout the 
entity and records of such communication kept.  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
7.5 Documented i nformation  
 
7.5.1  General DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
  
The Recognized Entity’s Management System shall include: 
 
a) documented information necessary for the effectiveness of producing sustainable cocoa as per this 
document; 
b) documented information of the first date of conformity with the requirements specified in this document. 
 
The Recognized Entity shall ensure proper documentation and dissemination of informa tion on all issues relating to 
sustainable cocoa farming. 
Guidance  
A list of required information to be disseminated and records kept is in Appendix 2.  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
7.5.2  Control of documented information 
 
Documented information required by this Standard shall be controlled to ensure: 
 
a) it is available, complete and suitable for use, where and when it is needed; 
 
b) it is adequately protected (e.g. from loss of confidentiality, improper use, or loss of integrity); 
 
c) appropriate distribution, access, retrieval and use; 
 
d) appropriate stora ge and preservation; 
 
e) control of changes (e.g. version control); 
 
f) appropriate retention and disposition. 
 
Documented information of  external origin determined by  the Recognized Entity to be necessary for the  planning 
and operation of the Farmer Group Management System, including information on m atters relating to cocoa  
production,  shall be identified , as appropriate , and its internal  usage controlled. 
 
Note 1: Access can imply a decision regard ing the permission to view the documented information only.  
 
Note 2: Training and mentoring are offered to Recognized Entity on all documented information. 
Guidance  
The entity shall designate a focal person for document control. The entity shall document its procedure in fulfilment 
of 7.5.2 (a) – (f). The recognized entity shall provide training to focal person and all persons who have access to 
and handle documented information. The date of training sessions, content, participants’ name & 
signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature, shall be documented.  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
8 Operational activities 
 
8.1 Annual work plan for the Recognized E ntity 
 
The Recognized Entity shall develop an annual work  plan that explains how the processes shall be implemented 
in order to meet the management objectives and the Cocoa Farm Development Plan (CFDPs). The annual work 
plan shall: 
 
a) be generated once a year and monitored; 
 
b) be aligned with the management policy; DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
  
c) be aligned with the management objectives; 
 
d) consider the requirements of this document. 
 
Note 1: In developing a  work plan, the workload on the Recognized Entity is first to be considered. 
 
Note 2: The developed work plan is practical and conforms to the common practices of the Recognized Entity.  
 
Note 3: Training and mentoring on the work plan are provided to the Recognized Entity. 
Guidance  
The work plan should include all activities relevant for the recognized entity to achieve compliance to the standard.  
The recognized entity shall keep documented information on the date of sensitization sessions on the workplan, 
content, participants’ name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature, in fulfilment 
of 8.1 above.  
Year of Applica tion 
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
8.2 Cocoa Fa rm Develop ment Plan (CFDP) 
 
The Cocoa Farm  Development Plan (CFDP) shall be established to support registered  farmers and the  Farmer 
as an Entity to make informed and responsible choices on the management of their farms. 
 
The Farmer  Group/ Farmer Cooperative shall establish, in cooperation and consultation with the registered farmer, 
CFDP(s) related to the cocoa fields that are within the scope of the system and each CFDP shall be documented. 
 
Annex A  provides an overview of the process for establishing the CFDP. 
 
The CFDPs shall fulfil the requirements specified in Annex D. Additional guidance is given in Annex E. 
 
The CFDPs shall include: 
 
a) a cost and investment assessment of fulfilling the CFDP; 
 
b) an assessment of financial opportunities and risks for the Farmer as an Entity and registered farmer,  
including any financial agreements established between the registered  farmer and the Farmer  Group/Farmer 
Cooperative. 
8.2.1  Cocoa Farm Development Plan (CFDP) Diag nosis 
 
8.2.1.1  Farmer Group/  Farmer Cooperative 
 
Registered farmers shall participate in the cocoa farm d iagnosis within the first 12 months of registration and 
before the initial certification audit and agree to the observations being made. The cocoa farm diagnosis shall fulfil 
the requirements specified in Annex C. The Farmer Group/ Farmer Coo perative and the registered farmers use 
the findings documented in the cocoa farm diagnosis to build the cocoa farm development plan (CFDP). This plan 
is specifically tailored to each farm and allows the registered far mer and the Farmer  Group/Farmer Cooperative to 
measure progress against previously identified targets  for improvement. 
 
The registered farmer shall be informed of the various options for managing the cocoa farm to the desired business 
level. These options relate to good agricu ltural practices within or outside the fra mework of the rehabilitation 
or replanting of the farm. The registered farmer shall decide on the activities and investments to be included and 
documented in the  CFDP (see Annex B and C). 
Guidance  
For diagnosis of soil condition, observation is an acceptable mechanism for assessing soil condition. Based on poor 
or declining yield history, soil test should be carried out. (See item 13, Table C.2, Annex C)  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 8.2.1.2 Farmer as an Entity 
 
The Farmer  as an Entity shall participate in the cocoa farm diagnosis with an Agronomist within the first 12 months 
of registration and before the initial certification audit and agree to the observations being made. The cocoa farm 
diagnosis shall fulfil the requirements specified in Annex C. The Farmer as  an Entity with the Agronomist uses the 
findings documented in the cocoa farm diagnosis to build his cocoa farm development plan (CFDP). This plan is 
specifically tailored to each farm and allows the  Farmer as an Entity to measure progress against previously 
identified targets  for improvement. 
 
The Agronomist shall inform the Farmer as an Entity of the various options for managing the cocoa farm  to the 
desired business level. These options relate to good agricultural practices within or outside the  framework  of the 
rehabilitation or replanting of the farm. The Farmer  as an Entity shall decide on 
the activities and investments to be included and documented in the CFDP (see Annex B and C). 
Guidance  
For diagnosis of soil condition, observation is an acceptable mechanism for assessing soil condition. Based on poor 
or declining yield history, soil test should be carried out. (See item 13, Table C.2, Annex C)  
Year of Application  
During 12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
8.2.2  Implemen ting CFDP 
 
The Recognized Entity shall provide the registered farmers  or hired workers, where  applicable, with coaching that 
enables them to implement the  CFDPs. Coaching shall as a minimum include one on- farm coaching session per 
year. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity shall keep documented information on the date of coaching sessions, content, participants’ 
name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature, in fulfilment of 8.2.2 above. Each 
farmer shall begin implementat ion of their CFDP after initial certification. On -farm coaching shall be audited during 
re-certification in year 5.  
Year of Application  
Year 1  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
8.2.3  Assessing the CFDP 
The Recognized Entity and each registered farmer or hired wor kers, where  applicable, shall assess the cocoa farm 
development performance against their CFDP. The observation points applied for the audit of cocoa farms  
should be included in the audit. Based on the assessment, the Recognized Entity and the registered  farmer  
shall determine, agree on and document improvements and any actions needed to fulfil the CFDP and/or modify 
its content. 
 
Note 1: The Regu lator/Lega l entity put in mechanisms to assist the Recognized Entity to achieve their objectives. 
 
Note 2: Evaluation is performed by the Farmer G roup/Farmer Cooperative to assess the performance of the farmers. 
 
Note 3: Evaluation is also performed by the Regulator/Lega l Entity to assess the performance of the Farmer as an Entity. 
Guidance  
During annual internal audits, assessment of the performance of the cocoa farm development can be carried out. 
The recognized entity should provide resources for addressing generic challenges identified among members of 
farmer groups or cooperatives.  
Year of Applicatio n 
Year 1  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
9 Performan ce evaluation 
 
 
9.1 Monitoring and m easurement 
 
The Farmer as an Entity shall determine: DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
  
a) what  needs to be monitored and measured for registered farmers, including: 
 
1) actual production against estimated production; 
 
2) implementation of good agricultural practices, which they have been trained in.  
 
b) the methods for monitoring and measurement; 
 
c) who shall perform the monitoring and measurement; 
 
d) when  the monitoring and measuring shall be performed; 
 
e) when  the results from monitoring and measurement shall be analyzed and evaluated. 
 
The Recognized Entity shall monitor and measure the progre ss in implementing the annual plan.  
 
Top management shall review the Recognized Entity annual plan Management System, at least once in twelve (12) 
months, to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness. 
 
The Farmer Group/ Farmer Cooperative shall monitor and measure the progre ss in implementing the CFDP of the 
farmer s. The Farmer  as an Entity shall also monitor the progress in implementing his CFDP’s in all his fields. 
 
The Recognized Entity shall retain appropriate documented information as evidence of the results and put in the 
necessary corrective measures to address any non-conformance. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity should monitor and measure the activities and targets set out in the annual workplan.  
 
The leadership of the Recognized entity should set targets on implementation of the management system to assess 
progress made on annual basis drawing lessons from internal and external audits as well as the implementation of 
Cocoa Farm Development Plans. T he recognized entity should as part of its annual workplan indicate when such 
assessment would be conducted together with the timelines for the releasing of the monitoring report. The 
Leadership of the organization should report the progress made to the Ge neral Assembly.  
 
Evidence of monitoring and measurement may be provided through:  
 
• Monitoring and results framework  
• Training and attendance for person(s) responsible  
• Monitoring report  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
9.2 Internal  audit 
 
The Recognized Entity shall conduct internal audits at least once in twelve (12) months to show the effe ctiveness 
of the Management System, the continuous improvement of the implementation of  the requirements in relation with 
the annual plan including the CFDP. 
 
The Recognized Entity shall: 
 
a) establish and implement  internal audit  plan(s) and program (s), including the frequency , methods, 
responsibilities, planning requirements and reporting, which shall take into consideration the management  
objectives, the importance  of the processes  concerned , changes impacting the Recognized Entity and the results 
of previous audits; 
 
b) ensure that the results of the internal audits are reported to top management; 
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 c) Undertake the necessary corrections to eliminate detected non-conformities, and on the basis of an 
analysis of causes, take appropriate corrective actions within a reasonable period of time; 
 
d) retain documented information as evidence of the implementation of the internal audit; 
 
e) identify opportunities for improvement 
Guidance  
The recognized entity should develop an Internal audit checklist that would cover the requirements of the standard 
and conduct an audit to assess its members annually. The Recognized entity should identify and train the Internal 
auditor and Approval and Sanction committee on the standards, the audit checklist and other relevant topics such 
as cooperative management etc. The Internal audito rs and Approval and Sanction committee members would sign 
conflict of interest forms  to ensure that they are very objective in their assessment and also declare any form of 
relationship that could compromise the performance of their duty.  
 
Farmers would b e informed about the internal audit to avail themselves for the exercise and also be assured of the 
confidentiality of their information (should be captured on the audit forms). Every farm under the scope of the cocoa 
sustainability management system of th e recognized entity would be audited and farmers interviewed based on the 
requirement checklist. After the audit and interview, farmers would be provided a feedback based on their 
performance and dates for implementing corrective measures of non -conformiti es agreed with the farmer. The 
farmer would then be required to sign/thumb print the internal audit forms.  
 
The Approval and sanction committee would then review all audit forms and indicate whether they are fully approved, 
partially approved or not appro ved. The committee’s report would recommend which farmers need to be closely 
monitored and provided additional support to address the identified NCs. The final report would then be submitted 
to the Leadership of the recognized entity. Evidence for complyin g with this requirement includes:  
• Appointment letters of Internal auditors and Approval and Sanctions committee members together with 
their qualifications  
• Training reports and attendance  
• Signed conflict of interest forms  
• Completed Internal audit forms  
• Report of the Approval and Sanction committee highlighting the general performance, key NC’s identified 
and steps taken to correct the identified NCs, opportunities, etc.  
Year of Application  
Before the initial certification audit  of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
9.3 Managem ent review 
 
 
9.3.1  General 
 
Top management shall review the Recognized Entity’s annual plan Management System, at least once in twelve 
(12) months, to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness. 
 
The management review shall be planned and carried out taking into consideration: 
 
a) the status of actions from previous management reviews; 
 
b) changes in external and internal  issues that are relevant to the Re cognized Entity’s 
Management System; 
 
c) information on the performance and effectiveness of the Management System, including: 
 
1) the extent to which management objectives have been met; 
 
2) the extent to which the CFDPs have been implemented; 
 
3) non conformities and corrective actions; DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
  
4) monitoring and measurem ent results; 
 
5) audit results; 
 
6) feedback from customers and other relevant interested parties, if any; 
 
d) adequacy of resources; 
 
e) the effectiveness of actions taken to pursue opportunities and manage threats; 
 
f) opportunities for improvement. 
Guidance  
The Leadership of the recognized entity should review the performance of the entity on an annual basis and present 
a report to the General Assembly.  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
9.3.2  Outputs 
 
The outputs of the management review shall include decisions and actions related to: 
a) opportunities for improvement; 
 
b) any need for support to hired workers/registered farme rs; 
 
c) resource needs. 
 
The Recognized Entity shall retain documented information as evidence of management reviews. 
Guidance  
The management review report should capture all the programmes of the recognized entity implemented within the 
year against the planned programmes. Specifically, it should capture compliance performance (internal and external 
audits), identified NCs and steps taken, income generated by the organization, projects implemented (status of each 
project indicated), partners and their role and specific support provided within the year as well as their feedback, 
opportunities, feedback to partn ers and commitments to continuous improvement.  
 
Evidence could include:  
• Management review report. (This should be a part of the Annual report with details on progress of the 
organization)  
• General Assembly Minutes and Attendance  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
9.3.3  Feedback to the Reco gnized Entity 
 
The Recognized Entity shall put in place measures that the hired workers/registered farmers  can use to provide 
feedback to the Recognized Entity. These measures shall include a complaints and gri evance procedure. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity should have a system that allows members/hired workers to feel safe to provide feedback to 
the leadership of the organization without fear of victimization. This may include the use of a suggestion box, call 
centres/phone call, WhatsA pp, etc. Records of this feedback should be received by a dedicated staff or team and 
forwarded to the leadership of the Recognized entity for action, where necessary, and treated in confidence.  
 
The Recognized entity should keep records of feedback in a register/file indicating the dates of the feedback, who 
received the feedback, action(s) taken and any communication to the provider of the feedback.  
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 The leadership of the recognized entity should take steps to ensure that members are well informed about the 
opportunity to provide feedback on the operations of the organization and assurance provided on the confidentiality 
and non -victimization for provi ding such feedback.  
 
Evidence of compliance includes:  
• Committee/Person responsible for handling feedback (appointment)  
• Grievance procedure  
• Evidence of communication to members (report, attendance. etc.)  
• Example of mechanism (complaint forms, WhatsApp numb er, call centre etc.)  
• File/Register  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
10 Improv ement for Ma nagement System 
 
The Recognized Entity shall determine and select opportunities for improvement, generate and specify relevant 
performance objectives and implement necessary actions. 
 
The Recognized Entity shall continually improve the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of its 
Management System. 
Guidance  
This provision can be complied with through management reviews in clause 9.3.  
 
Evidence  
• Management Review report.  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
11 Requir ements related to economic  aspects 
 
11.1 General 
 
The requirements for economic aspects aim to: 
 
a) increase the sustainable production of cocoa beans in a cost-efficient manner; 
 
b) improve farmer  income and livelihoods, including improving the productivity of cocoa farming, considering 
the diversification of production and income, strengthening resilience in the face of  climate change, and facilitating 
access to markets for cocoa farmers; 
 
c) support improved standards of living and social conditions of populations engaged in cocoa farm ing. 
 
Note 1: The Regu lator /Lega l Entity establishes a policy on production of sustainable cocoa  
 
Note 2: The  Regu lator/Lega l Entity as well as the Recognized Entity are invited to look for the market for sustainable cocoa. 
 
From an economic perspective, while there are benefits to increasing yields and better managing cocoa quality  (to 
decrease  losses  due to poor farming practices or pests and diseases), improvements entail additional efforts and 
investments for the Recognized Entity and the registered farme r. 
 
Training, coaching and other support activities provided by Farmer  Group/ Farmer Cooperative can be  perceived 
as a benefit for farmer s, but it is necessary to establish whether this support results in improved performance, i.e. 
improved productivity/quality or time-management at farm level. 
 
The Recognized Entity shall establish key indicators to measure their performance over time. 
Guidance  DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 The Regulator would provide a policy and strategy for production of sustainable cocoa beans towards improving 
living conditions of Ghanaian farmers. The strategy would highlight steps to increase productivity including the 
provision of the right services a nd training such as pruning, spraying, cocoa farm rehabilitation, agroforestry 
practices coaching and where possible support farmers to access inputs, etc.  
 
The strategy should also indicate steps to increase income through additional livelihood interventions by providing 
training and support to members to venture into areas such as cocoa by -products in addition to cocoa bean 
production.  
 
Recognized entities need to develop their workplans in line with relevant provisions of the national sustainability 
policy and strategy. Workplans should be reviewed annually to assess the level of progress.  
 
The recognized entity should provide coaching and support to its m embers to increase their efficiency. It would help 
to analyze the cost of production against the income of members and proffer the right advice. This may be achieved 
through farmer business schools.  The recognized entity with support from the Regulator th rough the Farmer 
Business School (FBS) should provide training to registered farmers in entrepreneurial and managerial skills, taking 
into account their level of education and competence.  
 
The Recognized entity may also work with partners to access market opportunities that could generate additional 
revenue to the benefit of members.  
 
Evidence of compliance includes:  
1. Annual Workplan  
2. Report and attendance of training/communication to members  
3. Management review report  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
11.2 Capacity building on  accounting and enabling access to finan cial credits 
 
a) The Farmer  Group/ Farmer Cooperative should provide registered  farmers with business training, 
taking into account the level of competence and education of the registered farmers. 
 
b) The Farmer Group/ Farmer Co operative should assist registered farmers in setting-up a basic system for 
documenting informa tion and expenditures  to build their financial history. 
 
c) The Farmer  Group/ Farmer Cooperative should liaise with registered farmers and determine the  need 
for financing. The Farmer  Group/ Farmer Cooperative shall document its interaction w ith input suppliers and 
financial institutions to seek financing for registered farmers. 
 
d) The Farmer  as an Entity should provide himself and his staff with business training, taking into 
account the level of competence and education of his staff. The Farmer as an Entity shall document his interaction 
with input suppliers a nd financial institutions when  seeking financing for his farms. 
 
e) Sensitization and capacity building has to be done after the first year of setting up 
Guidance  
The Recognized Entity should provide training on financial management for staff and leadership of the Recognized 
Entity. The training should also be extended to members with focus on book keeping, savings, etc. The Recognized 
Entity should take steps to en courage members to keep records of their production activities through farmer business 
school concepts. The Recognized entity should have a system for aggregating data through these farm records and 
properly analyzing them.  
 
This should help the Recognized entity approach financial institutions, service providers and input suppliers to 
provide services/inputs to its members. The Recognized Entity should assist registered farmers to document their 
engagement with inputs supplie rs and financial institutions. Where possible, the Recognized entity should take steps 
to procure inputs in bulk and distribute to members using various payment mechanisms.  
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 The Regulator may provide some support through the implementation of national lev el programmmes such as 
Productivity Enhancement Programmes (PEPs).  
Year of Application  
Year 1 0 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
11.3 Farm  agron omic p erformance and good  agricultural  practices 
 
11.3.1 N e w  farm establishment 
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that hired workers/registered  farmers  are provided with information 
on applicable requirements on rural and agricu ltural development plans. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall advise hired workers/registered farmers on the suitability of product ion 
of cocoa beans on the intended field(s). 
Guidance  
Such engagements should be documented as evidence of compliance and should include the date of engagement, 
content, participants’ name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registrati on of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
11.3.2 P l a n t i n g  material 
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall ensure hired workers/registered farmers have access to, and receive 
recommendations for the use of, planting material that comes from a verified and competent source. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall ensure the competence of hired workers/registered farmers on good 
agricultural practices related to planting material. 
Guidance  
The Recognized Entity should provide education on good agricultural practices with respect to planting materials to 
hired workers/registered farmers. The recognized entity should link registered farmers to approved sources of 
planting materials.  
 
Such engagements should be documented as evidence of compli ance and should include the date of engagement, 
content, participants’ name & signature / thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature. An 
alternative source of evidence may be distribution records of the recognized entity of bulk acquired p lanting materials 
from approved sources.  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
11.3.3 Soil manageme nt 
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that hired workers/ registered  farmers  leave healthy orga nic waste, 
such as pruning debris, empty pod husks, and any other org anic material, that are  disease-free, at the farm(s). 
 
b) The Recognized Entity, where needed, should ensure that hired workers/registered  farmers h ave 
access to homologated fertilizer. 
 
c) The Recognized Entity shall promote practices to avoid soil erosion. 
 
d) For proper  soil management, the Recognized Entity are encouraged to do soil analysis prior to  
application of fertilizer. 
Guidance  
The Recognized entity should provide training in integrated soil fertility management to hired workers/registered 
farmers and also provide them with a list of approved fertilizers and sources. The Recognized entity should ensure 
that soil analysis is carri ed out including observation and yield history prior to fertilizer application. However, DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 laboratory test of soil sample could be done when observation and yield history are not sufficient to determine soil 
fertility.  
 
Evidence of compliance:  
• Training shoul d be documented as evidence of compliance and should include the date of engagement, 
content, participants’ name & signature / thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
• List of approved fertilizers  
• Soil analysis reports (observation, yield history and/or laboratory test)  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
11.3.4 Maintenan ce of cocoa trees 
 
The Recognized Entity shall ensure the competence of hired workers/registered farmers on the maintenance 
and rehabilitation of cocoa and shade trees. 
Guidance  
It is the responsibility of the recognized entity to build the capacity of its members and workers to carryout 
maintenance and rehabilitation of farms. However, they may seek support from the Regulator.  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of  the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
11.3.5 Use of agrochem icals 
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that only suitable and proper equipment is used for the application 
of agrochemicals. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall ensure safe use of spraying equipment. 
 
c) The Recognized Entity shall, where needed, ensure access to agrochemicals authorized for use on 
sustainable cocoa. 
 
d) The Recognized Entity and hired workers/registered farmers  shall commit to provisions for pest and 
disease control, using an integrated pest and disease management approach. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity should provide hired workers/registered farmers with sources of acquisition of agrochemicals 
approved by the Regulator.  
 
The Regulator should provide an updated list of approved agrochemicals annually.  
 
The Recognized Entity should provide training in integrated pest and disease management and sensitize hired 
workers/registered farmers on the safe use and handling of spraying equipment and approved agrochemicals. The 
recognized entity may seek support from the Regulator for such trai ning. Training should include:  
• the monitoring of pests and diseases;  
• alternative ways to control pests and diseases;  
• preventive measures against pests and diseases;  
• measures to avoid pests and diseases that build up resistance to pesticides.  
• safe use and handling of spraying equipment  
 
Evidence of compliance:  
• Such training should be documented as evidence of compliance and should include the date of 
engagement, content, participants’ name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & si gnature.  
• Updated list of approved agrochemicals  
 
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 ARS 1000 -1  
11.3.6 Ha rvest 
 
The Recognized Entity shall ensure the competence of hired workers/ registered fa rmers on good h arvest 
techniques, including the  identification of ripe pods ready for harvest, and the identification of diseased, mummified 
or insect-damaged pods to be discarded.  
11.3.7 Post-harvest — Pod-breaking 
 
The Recognized Entity shall ensure the competence of hired workers/registered farmers on good pod- breaking 
techniques. 
11.3.8 Post-harvest — Fermentation 
 
The Re cognized Entity shall ensure the competence of h ired wor kers/registered farmers on a ppropriate 
fermentation techniques. 
11.3.9 Post-harvest — Drying 
 
a) Where beans are dried at farm or Farmer Group/ Farmer Cooperative level, the Recognized Entity shall 
ensure that the beans are dried on raised platforms  and at least 100 meters away from  a source of fire, filling station, 
maize and cereal mills, cement and coal tare depots. 
 
b) Recognized Entity shall ensure that sun-drying is conducted on drying mats such as raffia palm, 
bamboo, oil palm mat, banana leaves amongst others that ensures good hygienic pra ctice. 
 
If cocoa beans are dried artificially, the Recognized Entity shall ensure that dryers are well maintained and that 
contamination from smoke and fuel is avoided. 
11.3.10 Post-harvest — Packing and storage of cocoa  beans 
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall ensure the competence of hired workers/registered farmers on proper  
packing and stora ge techniques and materials. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that appropriate sacks and bags are used for packing and storage 
of cocoa beans (e.g. using materials that are clean, strong and non-toxic). 
 
c) Where applicable, the Recognized Entity shall ensure approved sacks and bags are made available 
to hired workers/ registered farmers. (This requirement does not apply in Ghana.)   
 
d) The Recognized  Entity  shall  ensure  that cocoa  beans  are bagged  and stored  under  
appropriate conditions, including pest control measures. 
Guidance  
The Recognized entity should provide training in harvesting and post -harvest techniques to hired workers/registered 
farmers and also liaise with the Regulator for guidance.  
 
Such training should be documented as evidence of compliance and should include the date of engagement, 
content, participants’ name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
11.3.11 Resilience  and diversification of production 
a) The Farmer Group/ Farmer  Cooperative shall raise awareness  on the use of diversified crops.  
 
b)         The Farmer  Group/ Farmer Cooperative shall do an assessment on the outcome of crop 
diversification programs  at the registered  farmer level 
 
c) The Farmer Group/ Farmer  Cooperative shall conduct an inventory of the risks and potential impacts 
of climate change on the registered farmers’ production of cocoa. 
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 d) The Farmer Group/ Farm er Cooperative shall raise aware ness among registered farmers of the  
potential impact of climate change. 
 
e) The Farmer  Group/ Farmer Cooperative shall provide training and other support to assist registered 
farmers adapt to new climatological conditions where applicable. 
 
f) The Farmer  as an Entity shall be aware  of the use of diversified crops and implement 11.3.11(b) to  
11.3.11(d). The Farmer as entity/Farmer  group/Farmer cooperative shall provide training and other support to assist 
hired workers adapt to new climatological conditions where applicable. 
 
Note: Farmers can add additional activity to their cocoa farm to earn extra income. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity should provide training in climate smart agriculture and farm diversification. Diversification is 
important but it should be oriented towards either household food security or markets or both  
 
Evidence of compliance:  
• Training/Engagem ent should be documented and include the date of engagement, content, participants’ 
name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
• Risk Assessment (could be included in management review reports)  
• Outcome of crop diversificat ion programme (could be included in management review reports)  
• Support to assist hired workers adapt to new climatological conditions. (May be captured in workplan)  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
12 Requir ements related to social aspec ts 
 
12.1 General 
 
The requirements for social aspects aim to: 
 
a) respect human rights, avoid infringement of the human rights of others and address adverse human 
rights impacts where necessary; 
 
b) support the eradication of forced labour, child labour and the worst forms  of child labour; 
 
c) support improved standards of living, social conditions and working and labour conditions, including 
health and safety of populations engaged in the cocoa sector. 
Guidance  
Consult and review private standards in the development of risk assessment tool . A risk assessment tool can be 
found in Appendix 1  for information only .  
Year of Application  
Year 1  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
12.2 Human rights policy 
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that a risk inventory is made of human rights issues. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that hired workers/registered farmers are aware of human rights. 
 
c) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that no adverse human rights impacts shall be caused or contributed 
by the Farmer as an entity/Farmer Group/Farmer Co operative’s activities. The Farmer  as an entity/Farmer  
Group/Cooperative shall ensure that any such impacts that occur will be addressed. 
 
d) The Recognized Entity shall establish, implement and maintain a human rights policy adapted to the 
context of the Recognized Entity. The human rights policy should include human rights due diligence process to 
identify, prevent, mitigate and report on how the Recognized Entity addresses its human rights impacts and 
processes to remedy any negative impacts of the Re cognized Entity or its contribution to them. DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
  
e) The Producer as an Entity/Group of Producers/Cooperative must promote human rights among its 
employees and registered producers 
 
Note 1: The requirement number 12.2d in this Standar d is to be implemented six (6) years after the first date of conformance. 
- Develop the human rights policy and the action plan, within 12 months of registering the recognized entity 
- Implement the human rights policy action plan over the 5 years following the initial certification audit- 
 
Note 2: A dedicated officer is to be appo inted by the Regu lator /Lega l Entity who is responsible for Human Rights issues. 
Guidance  
A risk assessment tool can be found in Appendix 1  (for information only) to cover 12.3 to 12.10. The deployment of 
this tool during internal audits is recommended. The recognized entity should provide training and sensitization on 
human rights.  
 
Evidence of compliance:  
• Training/Engagement should be docu mented and include the date of engagement, content, participants’ 
name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
• Human rights policy  
 
Cocoa Extension Agents / Research Officers would be assigned as dedicated officers for hum an rights issues at the 
community levels. Other dedicated officers at the district, regional and national levels will be assigned to handle 
human rights issues.  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
12.3 Prevention of di scrimination, h arassment and abuse  
 
The Recognized Entity shall ensure that the principle of non-discrimination and the rights of the individual shall 
be respected and that initiatives are taken  to contribute to the elimination of d iscrimination if observed, including, 
but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender, personal  relationships , disability, h ealth, 
marital status, age, HIV/AIDS status, religion, political opinion, language, propert y, ethnicity or social origin. 
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that no hired worker/registered farmer shall be subjected to corpor al 
punishment, mental or physical coercion, or verbal abuse. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall discuss with its employees, hired workers/registered farmers what  
constitutes harassment and abuse, and explain that these practices are not acceptable. All employees, hired 
workers/registered farmers  shall be informed about the laws prote cting individuals against discrimination, 
harassment and abuse. 
 
c) The Recognized Entity shall draft and implement an action plan to eradicate all forms  of harassment 
and abuse, including a gender sensitive grievance pro cedure with equal access for women and men. Within the 
grievance pro cedure there shall be no retribution or p unishment for reporting an injustice. 
 
d) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that meetings take place among its employees, hired 
workers/registered fa rmers and their spouses at least once a year to evaluate activities to pre vent harassment 
and abuse. Meetings, participants and main results shall be documented a nd shared.  
 
e) The Recognized Entity shall actively promote the social inclusion of disadvantaged/minority groups  
within its activities. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity should provide training and sensitization on prevention of discrimination, harassment and 
abuse.  
 
Evidence of compliance:  
• Training/Engagement should be documented and include the date of engagement, content, participants’ 
name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
• Human Rights Policy  
• Action plan (including prevention of discrimination, hara ssment and abuse)  DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 • Grievance procedure  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
12.4 Gender  equality and wom en and youth empowerment 
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that a risk inventory is made of gender and youth related issues. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall develop a Gender and Youth Action Plan based on the results of the  Gender 
and Youth Stocktaking exercise. 
 
c) The Recognized Entity shall implement the gender/youth action plan. 
 
d) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that top management is knowledgeable in gender and youth 
related issues. 
 
e) The Recognized Entity shall ensure hired workers/registered  farmers, management and the 
employees, both women, men and youth, are aware of gender-related issues. 
 
f) When training courses are offered, the Recognized Entity shall ensure equal access for wom en, 
men and youth, including the spouses of hired workers/registered  farmers. 
 
g) When training courses are offered, the Recognized Entity shall ensure that wom en and 
youth’s participation is stimulated, including the spouses of hired workers/registered farmers. 
 
h) The Recognized Entity shall work  towards ensuring that women and men receive equal 
opportunities and equal remuneration for equal wor k. 
 
Note: The Recognized Entity develops an affirmative action plan that reward s women and youth for owning farm 
land. 
Guidance  
See Appendix 1 for an example of a risk assessment tool.  
 
The recognized entity should provide training and sensitization on gender equality and women and youth 
empowerment to its top management, hired workers and registered farmers.  
 
Evidence of compliance:  
• Training/Engagement should be documented and include t he date of engagement, content, participants’ 
name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
• Human Rights Policy  
• Action plan (including gender equality and women and youth empowerment)  
• Grievance procedure  
Year of Applicatio n 
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
12.5 Children's rights 
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall comply with the Regulator/Legal Entity’s policy on the children’s rights and 
commit to respecting children’s rights. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that a risk inventory is made of children’s rights issues. 
 
c) The Recognized Entity shall ensure agricultural workers are knowledgeable on children’s 
rights, and shall ensure that children of agricu ltural workers are aware of children’s rights. 
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 d) The Recognized Entity shall take t he necessary measures to prevent risks and remedy  cases of  child 
abuse, exploitation or  damage, including activities that take place on one or more farms  and within the Farmer 
Group/Farmer  Cooperative. 
 
e) The Recognized Entity shall ensure the prote ction and safety of children in its activities, including 
activities tak ing place on the farm(s) and within the Farmer Group/Farmer Coo perative. 
 
f) The Re cognized Entity shall, within its powers, actively pro mote e ducation and school attendance for all 
children and vocational training for children of a legal working age. 
 
g) The Recognized Entity shall ensure hired workers/registered farmers and employees are 
knowledgeable on children’s rights. 
 
h) The Recognized Entity shall, within its powers, encourage vocational training, apprent iceship and 
employment (excluding hazardous tasks) in agriculture for  youth above the legal working a ge, particularly in 
sustainable cocoa production. 
Guidance  
See Appendix 1 for an example of a risk assessment tool.  
 
The recognized entity should provide training and sensitization on children’s rights to its top management, hired 
workers and registered farmers.  
 
Evidence of compliance:  
• Training/Engagement shoul d be documented and include the date of engagement, content, participants’ 
name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
• Human Rights Policy  
• Risk Assessment  
• Action plan (including children’s rights)  
• Grievance procedure  
• Issues/Incidence register  
 
Define or explain issues and incidence register  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
12.6 Child labour and wo rst forms  of child labour 
 
a) The Recognized Entity should comply with the regulator’s policy on child labour including a clear 
commitment against child labour. It should communicate this policy within the Re cognized Entity and among 
agricu ltural workers and make it publicly available. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall publicly display a list of applicable hazardous activities and disseminate 
information about the prohibition of hazardous work  for children within the Farmer  Group/Farmer  Cooperative and 
among hired workers/registered  farmers and their children. 
 
c) The Recognized Entity shall immediately report suspected cases of unconditional worst forms of  child 
labour (that is child trafficking, bonded labour and slave labour) to the relevant authorities. 
 
d) The Recognized Entity shall undertake a risk inventory to identify, the possible risks related to child labour 
on farms  and among the Farmer Group/Farmer Cooperative and in the communities where its hired 
workers/registered farme rs live. 
 
e) Based on the risk inventory, the Recognized Entity shall undertake actions to prevent, identify monitor and 
remediate child labour and the worst forms of child labour related to the activities on  the farms and among the Farm er 
Group/Farmer Cooperative, its registered  farmers and its hired workers. 
 
Note: “Child/light work”, “child labour”, and “the wors t forms of child labour” are different terms. 
Guidance  DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 The recognized entity should have a system for identifying, monitoring and remediating cases of child labour and 
the worst forms of child labour. Monitoring and remediation should be done for high -risk farmers.  
 
Risk assessment should be carried out perio dically (every two and half years before a major audit is conducted for 
the recognized entity) . See Appendix 1 for an example of a risk assessment tool.  
 
The recognized entity should provide training and sensitization on child labour to its top management , hired workers 
and registered farmers.  
 
Evidence of compliance:  
• Training/Engagement should be documented and include the date of engagement, content, participants’ 
name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
• Human Right s Policy  
• Risk Assessment  
• Action plan (including children’s rights)  
• Grievance procedure  
• Issues/Incidence register  
• Hazardous Activities Framework (HAF) (It may be in a pictorial format)  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
12.7 Emplo yment and contractual relations  
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that each registered farmer keeps records of all workers on  his/her 
farm. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall establish and implement a policy on forced labour and shall ensure 
that no one is engaged to work under compulsion. 
 
c)  The Recognized Entity shall ensure that no identity document(s) is withheld from hired 
workers/registered  farmers or from employees. 
 
d) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that, in the case of wage  workers, wages shall be paid on a  regular 
basis. The frequency and level of wage payments shall be clearly communicated at the  beginning of employment. 
 
e) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that regular hired workers are provided with written contracts 
or oral contracts with a witness specifying labour conditions and payment arrangements, in a language and format  
they can understand, within the Farmer Group/ Farmer  Cooperative. 
 
f) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that temporary hired workers shall receive the working conditions 
and workers’ rights equivalent of regular  hired workers, and their contractual agreements shall be respected, 
within the Farmer Group/Farmer Cooperative. 
Guidance  
Evidence of compliance:  
• Training/Engagement should be documented and include the date of engagement, content, participants’ 
name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
• Human Rights Policy  
• Records of workers on farms (Number, gender a nd age of salaried agricultural workers)  
• Grievance procedure  
• Issues/Incidence register  
• Written contracts, if available. (Evidence for oral contracts can be obtained through interviews)  
Year of Application  
Year 5 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
12.8 Occupation al health and safety 
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 a) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that an inventory is made of occupational health and safety risks 
within the Farmer Group/ Farmer Cooperative and at farm level. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that an action plan is made to address the issues identified 
in the inventory on occupational health and safety. 
 
c) The Recognized Entity shall implement the action plan on occupational health and safety. 
 
d) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that necessary protective equipment is provided free of charge, 
without deduction  of wag es and used by  all hired workers/registered farmers o perating in hazardous conditions. 
 
e) The   Recognized   Entity   shall   ensure   the   health   and   safety   competence   of   hired 
workers/registered  farmers operating in hazardous conditions. 
 
f) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that all hired workers/registered  farmers are informed about and 
prote cted against occupational health and safety risks in their agricultural work. This informa tion shall be provided 
clearly and visibly within the working environment of the Re cognized Entity, in language(s) they understand and 
with pictograms. 
 
Note: The  requirement number 12.8 in this Standar d is to be implem ented within the first six (6) years after the first 
date of conformance to this Standar d. 
Guidance  
The Recognized entity may identify and train workers for hazardous work and provide them with personal protective 
equipment to work for registered farmers. Registered farmers may also identify and train their workers for hazardous 
work and provide them wit h personal protective equipment.  
 
For hazardous work/services provided by the Regulator, personal protective equipment for the workers will be 
provided by the Regulator.  
 
See Appendix 1 for an example of a risk assessment tool.  
 
The recognized entity should provide training and sensitization on occupational health and safety to its top 
management, hired workers and registered farmers.  
 
Evidence of compliance:  
• Training/Eng agement should be documented and include the date of engagement, content, participants’ 
name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
• Human Rights Policy  
• Risk Assessment  
• Action plan (including health and safety)  
• Grievance p rocedure  
• Posters and Pictograms  
• PPE distribution records  
Year of Application  
Year 1 0 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
12.9 Social security  systems 
 
a) Where applicable, the benefits of available social security / welfare schemes shall be provided to the 
employees of the Recognized Entity 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that all regular hired workers have access to the benefits of a 
provident fund or pension scheme, if available. 
 
Note: The  requirement number 12.9 in this Standar d is to be implem ented within the first six (6) years after the first date of conformance to this Standar d. 
Guidance  DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 The Regulator has instituted a national cocoa farmers pension scheme. All cocoa farmers should ensure that their 
cocoa is sold in their names so as to benefit from the scheme.  
 
Where the recognized entity employs fulltime staff, the entity shall comply with national regulation in paying for the 
social security of such staff.  
 
Evidence of compliance:  
SSNIT Clearance certificate, if available  
Pay slip of staff,  
Year of Applicatio n 
Year 1 0 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
12.10 Freedom of association and collective bargaining pol icy 
 
a) The workers of the Recognized Entity may freely join and establish workers' organisations, both 
internal (such as workers' representations) and external  (such as labour unions), as well as participate in collective 
bargaining agreements on working conditions. 
 
b) If national law prohibits trade unions, workers may at least elect their representatives to discuss 
working conditions with the Recognized Entity. 
 
c) The workers of the Recognized Entity shall not suffer retaliation, discrimination or other adverse 
consequences if its members establish or join a Recognized Entity or engage in collective bargaining. 
 
d) The Recognized Entity shall inform the workers, either through individual letters or through w ide 
distribution, of: 
 
i. their right to establish and join a workers' Recognize Entity,  
ii. their right to participate in collective bargaining. 
Guidance  
Freedom of association and collective bargaining should be included in the recognized entity’s policy and its 
registered farmers/hired workers sensitized. Sensitization should be documented and include the date of 
engagement, content, participants’ name & signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation &  signature.  
 
Evidence of compliance:  
• Human rights policy  
• Grievance procedure  
• Signed commitment, if available  
• Letters, if available  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
13 Requir ements related to environm ental aspects 
 
13.1 General 
 
From an environmental perspective, the aim is to minimize negative impact and optimize positive impact on 
the environment. 
 
The requirements for environmental aspects aim to: 
 
a) support wat er conservation, the avoidance of wa ter wa ste, and the avoidance of the contamination of 
surface and underground water; 
 
b) support the responsible use of agrochemicals and good waste management; 
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 c) preserve plant and animal habitats, prote ct wildlife and maintain a varied ecosystem; 
 
d) prevent deforestation and combat climate change. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity should have an environmental policy. This may be included in the organizations internal 
management system manual.  
Year of Application  
Year 1  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
13.2 Prote ction of  water bodies 
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that a distance of at least 10 meters from cultivated cocoa 
trees to water bodies is maintained. Existing cocoa trees in this zone may be retained, but agrochemicals shall not 
be applied within this zone. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that a distance of at least 10 meters covered by native vegetation 
from new cocoa trees  to water bodies is maintained, 
 
c) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that hired workers/registered workers are knowledgeable about water 
protection requirements, taking into account the local context. 
 
d) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that no untreated sewage or untrea ted wastewater is discharged 
into fresh water bodies. 
 
Note: National legislation can apply when establishing new farms and/or in relation  to the distances from cultivated cocoa trees to water bodies and vegetation 
belts. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity should ensure that registered farmers clearly demarcate the boundaries of their farms from 
water bodies. Demarcation may be achieved through the use of buffer strips (plastic or red fabric), planting of shrubs, 
etc.  
 
The Recognized e ntity should take steps to plant forest tree species, shrubs and other tree species native to that 
environment, without the use of agrochemicals, if the buffer zone (of not less than 10 meters from a water body) is 
bare.  
 
The recognized entity should provi de training on protection of water bodies.  
 
Evidence of compliance”  
Training/Engagement should be documented and include the date of engagement, content, participants’ name & 
signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
Year of Application  
Year 1 0 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
13.3 Requir ements for administration and safe storage of agrochemicals 
 
The Recognized Entity shall ensure that warning signs are placed during and after the application of a grochemicals 
that indicate the time of application, the time before re-entering and the recommended days until harvest. 
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall ensure the competence of the person or people handling and storing 
agrochemicals. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that only authorized agrochemicals are applied. The application 
shall be performed safely, and by reference to the product usage informa tion pro vided by the supplier and the user 
manual for the delivery mechanism (e.g. sprayer). 
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 c) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that instructions for the use of agrochemicals are  strictly followed 
by calibrating and using suitable equipment for  applying the prescribed dosage, timing and intervals of application 
of agrochemicals as specified on the labelling of the prod uct and its instructions for use. 
 
d) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that documented information on agrochemical application 
(e.g. farmer booklet) is retained. 
 
e) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that no expired agrochemicals are used. 
 
f) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and people with 
respiratory illnesses do not handle agrochemicals. 
 
h) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that agrochemical containers are properly closed during storage  
and transportation to prevent spillage. 
 
i) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that dedicated storage  facilities for agrochemicals are e stablished 
with ventilation, light and a system for collecting spillages. 
 
j) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that agrochemical containers are kept away from non- authorized  
persons, animals and items to be consumed. 
 
k) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that empty agrochemical containers are triple rinsed and perforated, 
and that storage, handling and disposal are carried out in an appropriate way. 
 
Note: National regulations can be applicable in the definition of “appropr iate” regard ing the storage , hand ling and 
disposal of agrochemical containers. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity should provide training on safe handling, usage and storage of agrochemicals.  
 
The Regulator shall provide a policy and procedures for safe disposal of expired agrochemicals and empty 
containers.  
 
Evidence of compliance”  
Training/Engagement should be documented and include the date of engagement, content, participants’ name & 
signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
Authorized list of agrochemicals (name, dosage, timing, mode of applications)  
Internal management system manual  
Record book (name, dosage, quantity, timing, mode of applications, expiry date)  
Year of Application  
12 Months After Registration of the Farmer as an Entity/Farmer Group/Cooperative  
 
ARS 1000 -1  
13.4 Ecosystem protection 
 
a) The Regulator shall provide guidelines for Agrofore stry and the number of multipurpose trees to  be planted 
per hectare. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall support efforts to combat climate change and its effects by promo ting 
agrofore stry through  the planting of forest tree species, fruit trees and shrubs on the  farm(s), by use of diverse 
and native tree species, if applicable in the national context. 
 
c) The Recognized Entity shall ensure there shall be no farming in prote cted areas, such as national parks, 
wildlife refuges, forestry reserves and other public or priva te conservation area s, unless the national context allows 
it. (Not allowed in Ghana)  
 
d) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that no deforestation or degradation of primary forests has occurred 
as at the date of first release of this African Standard series 1000. 
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 e) The Recognized Entity shall ensure no deforestation or degradation of secondary forest occurs, unless 
a legal land title, landowner permission and/or customary land rights (whichever are applicable) are available, and 
government permits are available. 
 
f) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that no large native trees, that existed prior to the 
establishment of the farm, are removed on existing farms  or when establishing new farms, except when these pose 
hazards to people, to infrastructure or to the health of the cocoa farm by  hosting specific diseases, and where the 
removal of these specific trees is allowed or recommended by national authorities. 
 
g) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that no land is cleared by burning the vegetation. The Farmer  
Group/Cooperative may use light machines and/or simple tools, such as machetes (cutlasses), hoes, axes, to clear 
land. 
 
h) The Recognized Entity shall, in accordance  with forestry authorities, ensure mapping (or draw ing) of 
existing large native trees with the aim to provide clarity over ownership of the tre es. 
 
i) The Recognized Entity shall reduce water and wind erosion by taking adequate measures, including 
ensuring that a vegetation or mulch cover is kept on the cocoa farmlands in order to avoid bare soil. 
 
j) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that no adverse ecological practices are carried out, such as the 
draining of water bodies or hunting of threatened or endangered animals. 
 
k) The Recognized Entity shall establish an inventory of existing plant and wildlife species on the farm (s). 
 
Note: National legislation can apply regard ing ecosystem protection. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity should provide training on ecosystem protection. The Regulator, Forestry Commission and 
the Wild Life Division should provide technical support for such trainings.  
 
The Regulator would provide guidelines for Agroforestry and the number of multipurpose trees to be planted per 
hectare.  
 
The Regulator and the Forestry Commission should develop a policy and guidelines on ownership and removal of 
trees. This may include r equest from registered farmers/recognized entities to the Forestry Commission to 
remove/cut trees, facilitated by COCOBOD.  
 
Mapping of trees involves providing GPS location of each tree by the recognized entity.  
 
Evidence of compliance”  
Training/Engageme nt should be documented and include the date of engagement, content, participants’ name & 
signature/thumbprint, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
Internal management system manual  
Annual workplan  
Endangered and threatened species list  
Existi ng plant and wildlife species inventory  
GPS coordinates of large native trees and planted trees by the registered farmer  
Year of Application  
Year 1 0 
 
ARS 1000 -1  
13.5 Waste management 
 
a) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that hired workers/registered  farmers  are competent on wa ste 
management practices pertaining to cocoa production. 
 
b) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that composting of any org anic material is carried out in a d esignated 
area. 
 DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 c) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that waste is only stored  and disposed of in designated area s. In 
the absence of appropriate disposal facilities, non-organic waste may only be burnt in a well-ventilated area away 
from people, animals and crops. 
 
d) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that expired agrochemicals are treated as hazardous wa ste. 
 
e) The Recognized Entity shall ensure that empty agrochemical containers are not used for any other 
purposes. 
Guidance  
The recognized entity should provide training on waste management. The Regulator may provide technical support 
for such trainings.  
 
The recognized entity should ensure that waste management requirements as stipulated in this Standard are 
captured in its i nternal management system.  
 
Where incinerators are available, the recognised entities should use them in disposing of non -organic waste.  
 
Where incinerators are not available, the recognised entity is advised to use improvised incinerators.  
 
The regulator should ensure chemical sellers make arrangements to collect used containers for proper disposal.  
 
Evidence of compliance”  
• Training/Engagement should be documented and include the date of engagement, content, participants’ 
name & signature/thumbpr int, resource person’s name, designation & signature.  
• Internal management system manual  
• Annual workplan  
• Policy and guidelines for sanctions  
 
The Regulator would provide a policy and procedures for safe disposal of expired agrochemicals and empty 
containers . 
Year of Application  
Year 5 
  DGS IG 1:2023 GHANA STANDARD  
 Annex A  
(normative) 
 
Process for establishing the  Cocoa Farm Development Plan (CFDP) 
 
 
Table  A — Overview of the proc ess for establishing the CFDP  
 
What? When?  By whom? How? Purpose  and result? 
Sensitization on the 
African standards 
(see 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 
of this document) Before farmer’s 
registration. Farmer group , 
Coopera tive, 
Regu lator/ Lega l 
Entity. Through workshops 
and any other farm 
group meetings Ensuring that the individual farmer 
under stands the objectives of the 
standa rds as well as his role and 
responsibilities once he adhere s to the 
standard s to produ ce sustainable 
cocoa 
Generic Estimated 
costs of setting up in 
conformance with 
this document. Before individual 
farmer’s 
registration. The Recognized 
Entity, 
Regu lator/ legal 
entity in 
collabora tion 
with farmers who 
wish to register. Through an 
interview and 
preferably a visit to 
the farm. The Recognized Entity, 
Regu lator/Lega l Entity should provide 
individual farmers with an indication of 
the estimated level of costs and the 
estimated timeframe for the major 
areas of investment (e.g. replanting, 
fertilizer) for their farms. 
 
The Recognized Entity, Regu lator / 
Lega l Entity should collect via 
interview the data points identified in 
Annex C for this purpo se, althoug h 
they may rely on only several of these 
for producing these estimates of costs 
Assumption: higher yields will be 
achieved when adher ing to this 
document 
Hiring an Agrono mist 
in charge of the 
diagnosis and 
Cocoa Farm 
Development Plan 
(CFDP) Once the Farmer is 
registered. Recognized 
Entity Through 
competitive 
engage ment 
process The Agrono mist will be in charge of 
training Trainer of Trainees (TOT), 
farmers, and coaching the farmers to 
implement and maintain  requirements 
of this document.in the farm. 
Training the 
Agrono mist on 
diagnosis and 
CFDP. Once the 
Agrono mist has 
been hired. The Regu lator/ 
legal entity. Through capacity 
building 
development using 
workshops . To enhan ce standard ization of training 
and ensure equity in development of 
the Agrono mists and the 
impleme ntation of CFDP. 
Making Cocoa farm 
diagnosis/ baseline 
assessment (see 8.2 
and Annex C). Within the first 12 
months of 
registration of 
farmer and before 
the application to 
the initial audit for 
bronze certification. The Agrono mist 
within the 
Recognized 
Entity in collab- 
oration with 
registered 
farmers. On-farm 
observation and 
interview in addition 
to data acquired 
during the farmer 
registration 
process, including 
necessary interven- 
tions and costs to 
fulfil the CFDP. To establish the CFDPs for all 
registered farmers and farmers as 
entities as well as activities planned to 
improve the farms and to deliver 
sustainable cocoa. 
 
To  deliver the real estimate of costs 
(investments) versus benefits (returns 
in cash) regard ing cocoa farming 
within the framework of this document 
Implem enting the 
CFDP (see 8.2 and 
Annex D) Short-term: After 
the first initial 
certification audit 
for Bronze 
Certification and 
before the first 
surveillance audit 
(2 years and a 
half). The Agrono mist 
with registered 
farmers. Implem ent the 
requirements in this 
document, and 
Annex D in ARS 
1000 part 3 
Adjustment 
depen ding on 
targets set and 
completion date. The Agrono mist and the registered 
farmer shall determine, any actions 
neede d to meet and maintain 
targets/requirements and modify, if 
needed , the content of CFDP 
accordingly. 
 
Between obtaining Bronze level 
certificate and the 1st surveillance 
audit, the Recognized Entity shall DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  
 
  What? When?  By whom? How? Purpose  and result? 
    have established a minimum of 20 % 
CFDP for the registered farmers. 
Mid-term: The Agrono mist 
with registered 
farmers. Implem ent the 
requirements in this 
document and , 
Annex D in ARS 
1000 -3 
Adjustment 
depen ding on 
targets set and 
completion date. The Agrono mist and the registere d 
farmer shall determine, any actions 
neede d to meet and ma intain 
targets/requirements and mo dify, if 
needed , the content of CFDP 
accordingly. 
 
Five (5) years after obtaining Bronze 
level certificate: the Recognized Entity 
shall have established a minimum of 
60% CFDP for the registered farmers. 
 
Two years and a half (2, 5) after the 
Silver recertification: the Recognized 
Entity shall have established a minimum 
of 80% CFDP for the registered 
farmers. 
 
Five (5) years after the Silver 
recertification: the Recognized Entity 
shall have established 100% CFDP for 
the registered farmers. 
Assessing the 
CFDP. a) During  the 
first initial 
certification 
audit : Bronze 
certification 
(12 months 
after the 
registration of 
the farmer) 
b) During the 1st 
surveillance 
audit (2 years 
and a half 
after obtaining 
the Bronze 
Certificate 
c) During the 
recertification 
audit: Silver 
certificate, 5 
years after 
obtaining the 
Bronze 
certification. 
d) During the 2nd 
surveillance 
audit (7,5 
years after 
obtaining the 
Bronze 
Certificate) 
e) During the 
recertification 
audit: Gold 
certificate (10 
years after 
obtaining the Auditors hired by 
the Recognized 
Entity Through the audit 
process in 
complia nce with the 
requirements of 
ARS 1000 -3. To help farmers improve their farms 
and operate in compliance with all the 
standard s (ARS1000 -1, ARS 1000 -2, 
and ARS 1000-3) to ensure that the 
registered farmers work as business 
professionals by the end of a complete 
audit cycle (11 years after farmer 
registration). DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  
What? When?  By whom? How? Purpose  and result? 
 Bronze 
certificate).    
  
 Annex B 
(informative) 
 
Guidance  for estimating star t-up and recurring costs 
 
Table  B.1 — Guideline for estimating start-up and recurring costs  
 
Action Budget line item Start-up costs Recurring oper ational costs 
 First 
buyer Recognized 
Entity Farmer Regulator First 
buyer Recogn ized 
Entity Farmer 
Payment of 
premium Farmer premiums X    X  
 
  
 
 
Salaries of persons 
in charge of 
managing 
sustainable cocoa internal 
sustainability 
manage r / 
Month  X    
 
 
 
 X  
 
 
 
 
Farmer trainer X x    
  
  
 
Agrono mist  
 X  
  
  
 X  
 
Secretary or 
coordinator  
 
 X  
 
  
 
  
 
   
Logistics Monthly fuel 
Coord inator 
Farmer trainer 
Agronomist  
 
 
X  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 X  
Motorcycles X  
  
  
  
   
Helmet  
 X  
  
  
   
Boots  
 X  
  
  
   
Cutlass  
 X  
  
  
   
Vehicle  
  
  
  
  
 X  
First Aid Kit  
 x  
  
  
   
GPS-CFDP X x  
 x  
   
Data collection X x  
 x  
   
Office computer X x  x    
Office printer X x  x    
Office space X x  x    
Office furniture X x  x    
WI-FI connection X x  x    
Training costs Training Top 
Manage ment on 
manage ment system     
 
X    
Training Agrono mist 
on Standard s     
 
X    
Training recognized 
entities on 
Standard s     
 
X    
Training farmers on 
Good Agricultural 
Practices (GAP)     
 
X    
 DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  
 
Action Budget line item Start-up costs Recurring oper ational costs 
 First 
buyer Recognized 
Entity Farmer Regulator First 
buyer Recogn ized 
Entity Farmer 
 Training recognized 
entities on 
Entrepreneur ship 
including la ws and 
principles     
 
 
 
X  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of traceability 
system   
 
X  
 
X   
 
X  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
Audit costs   X    
 x  
 
Inputs Fertilizer  X    
 x  
 
Pesticide application   
 
X    
 
 x  
 
 
Social aspects Monitoring and 
remediation of child 
labour and worst 
form of child labour X  
 
 
X  
 
 
 x x x  
 
 
 
Environmental 
aspects Agroforestry  
 
  
 
X  
 
  
 
  
 
 x  
Operational costs 
of Farmer as an 
Entity/ 
Farmer Group 
/Coopera tive Director salary  
  
  
  
  
 X  
Depo t keeper / 
Purchasing clerks 
salary  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
X  
Inspector/Analyzer 
salary  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 X  
Security salary  
  
  
  
  
 X  
Stevedore /Carriers  
  
  
  
  
 X  
Collection truck 
driver  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 X  
Collection truck 
mainte nance  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 X  
Warehou sing  
  
  
  
  
 X  
Discharge vehicle 
rental      X  
6 whee ls      X  
10 whee ls      X  
Trailer truck      X  
Tax      X  
Electricity bill      X  
Water bill      X  
Fuel      X  
Office supplies      X  
Office 
Accommodation      X  
 
  
  
Action Budget line item Start-up costs Recurring oper ational costs 
 First 
buyer Recognized 
Entity Farmer Regulator First 
buyer Recogn ized 
Entity Farmer 
 Communication 
costs       
 
X  
Postal service cost 
including post office 
box      
 
 
  
 
X  
 
 
 
Coopera tive creation 
costs      
 
 X  
 
 
 
Note:       Start up and recurrent costs to be met as per individual country requirement 
 DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  
 
Annex C 
(normative) 
 
Information on indi vidual farms  for cocoa  farm  diagnosis 
 
The cocoa farm diagnostic shall deliver a base-line diagnostic on all cocoa fields of a farm in order  to 
determine which interventions are needed on the different  cocoa fields to reach the targeted yield. 
The cocoa farm diagnostic shall at a minimum include observations on the elements listed in Table 
C.1 and C.2. 
 
Table  C.1 — Farm, registered farmer and family socio-economic profiles 
 
Cate gory  Data points How to collect information 
Registered 
farmer and 
family profile Registered farmer’s name, date of birth, gender , education level Interview and/or registration data 
Spouse’s name, date of birth, gender, education level Interview and/or registration data 
Number of children and other household members, including date 
of birth and gender ; number of children in school Interview and/or registration data 
Farm or farmer code in the Recognized Entity’s administration Interview and/or registration data 
Whether memb er of a Farmer Group Interview and/or registration data 
Whether a sharecroppe r or owner Interview and/or registration data 
Location and contact details (addre ss, telephon e number) Interview and/or registration data 
Registered 
farmer and 
family socio- 
economic profile  
 
Cocoa production, cost of production, gross and net income from 
previous production at least Interview and/or registration data 
Non-cocoa (other) sources of income for the whole family (cocoa 
farming, other crops, paid work) Interview and/or registration data 
Fami ly living expenses, including schooling Interview and/or registration data 
Banking arrange ments (bank account, mobile money) Interview and/or registration data 
Number of workers, total cost Interview and/or registration data 
Number of family workers, gender , total cost Interview and/or registration data 
Number of temporary workers, gender, total cost Interview and/or registration data 
 
 
 
Cate gory   
Data points  
How to collect information 
 
Farm profile  
Year of farm creation  
Interview and/or registration data 
 
Distance of cocoa farms to forest land  
Interview and/or registration data 
 
Land use total (including different crops)  
Interview and/or registration data 
 
Land used for cocoa with GPS polygon  
Interview and/or registration data 
(Use of GPS measurement)  
 
Land used for other crops  
Interview and/or registration data 
 
Fallow la nd  
Interview and/or registration data 
 
Land used for cocoa with homogeneou s conditions (cocoa field)  
Farm visit 
  
Source of planting m aterials  
Interview and/or registration data  
 Table  C.2 — Information on individual farms for cocoa farm diagnos is and monitoring 
 
 
Adoption  observations  
Good   
Medium  
Bad  
Mechanism to monitor 
 
Plant material  
1. Planting material: Genetic 
potential     
Interview and observation 
 
Farm condition  
2. Tree age     
Interview and observation 
 
3. Tree density     
Observation 
 
4. Tree health     
Observation 
 
5. Debilitating disease 
(good =none )     
Observation 
 
Good Agricultural 
Practices (GAP)  
6. Pruning     
Observation 
 
7. Pest and disease     
Observation 
 
8. Farm sanitation     
Observation 
 
9. Suckering/chupo n removal     
Observation 
 
10.. Weed ing     
Observation 
 
11.. Harvesting     
Observation 
 
12. Shade manage ment     
Observation 
 
Soil  
13. Soil condition     
Observation/tests 
 
14. Organic matter     
Observation 
 
15. Fertilizer formulation     
Interview throug h extension 
 
16. Fertilizer application     
Interview 
 DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  
  
 
Annex D 
(normative) 
 
Implementation and content of the Cocoa  Farm  Developm ent Plan (CFDP) 
 
The Recognised Entity shall fulfil the requirements specified in Table D.1 and D.2 for the cocoa farm 
development plan (CFDP) and its implementation. 
 
Table  D.1 — Implemen tation plan for the CFDP  
 
 
 
Table  D.2 — Criteria for the CFDP 
Objective  
Implementation plan  
How to collect 
information 
 
From diagnos is to 
impleme ntation of the 
CFDP  
The Recognized Entity shall establish an estimate of the farm yield 
with the registered farmer.  
Discussion 
 
The Recognized Entity shall advise the registered farmer on the 
CFDP per cocoa field, including cost of planting material, inputs 
and labour, based on cocoa farm diagnostic observations.  
Calculations 
 
The Recognized Entity together with the registered farmer shall 
evaluate options for prioritization of cocoa fields, recognizing 
financial and labour capac ity.  
Discussion 
 
The Recognized Entity together with the registered farmer shall 
establish the final CFDP on all cocoa fields, taking into account 
agrono mic reality, cost and estimated net income per year.  
Discussion 
 
Item  
Criteria 
 
Cocoa field  
The Recognized Entity together with the registered farmer shall divide the farm into cocoa fields 
(homogeneou s plots) and take repre sentative samples to develop CFDP for the entire farm. 
 
Year by year 
impleme ntation plan  
The Recognized Entity shall ensure that the CFDP takes into  account farm and family economics 
to guide the farmer in  his/her financial decision making. 
 
Month by mo nth 
impleme ntation plan  
The Recognized Entity shall ensure that the CFDP delivers a month-to-month activity plan to 
guide the farmer in  the implementation of his/her CFDP. 
 
Ensure social family 
obligations  
The Recognized Entity shall ensure that the CFDP delivers information to guide registered 
farmers in their investments, ensuring that they are awar e of risks of over-investment that could 
lead to inability to me et social family or financial needs. 
 
Maximum  timeline   
The Recognized Entity together with the registered farmer shall establish the timeline for lifting the 
whole farm to the targeted yield. This timeline  shall be no more than 10 years. The Recognized 
Entity   shall ensure that all agree d interventions in the CFDP are implem ented for all plots within 
10 years. 
 
Monitoring  
The Recognized Entity shall ensure that the implementation and improvement of the CFDP is 
monitored and documented through the cocoa farm diagnos tic observations.  
 Annex E 
(informative) 
 
Cocoa Farm  Development Plan (CFDP)— Guidance  for registered farm ers 
 
 
 
Table  E.1 — Cocoa Farm Development Plan— Guidance  for registered farmers 
 
 
Data points  
CFDP — how to collect the 
information  
Deta iled cocoa farm diagnos tic for CFDP 
— how to collect the information 
 
Curren t farm status and what is 
neede d to meet the level specified 
in this Standa rd.  
Overview to provide clarity for 
registered farmer with regard s to inputs 
and interventions needed.  
Detailed overview for registered farmer with 
regard s to inputs and interventions needed . 
 
Efforts and inputs neede d to reach 
the level specified in this Standard .  
Estimate of inputs neede d (plant 
material, fertilizer, labor, etc.) to reach 
the level specified in this Standard .  
Detailed overview of inputs neede d (plant 
material, fertilizer, labor, etc.) to reach the 
high le vel specified in  this Standa rd and 
wher e to obtain the inputs. 
 
Genera l under standing of 
investment neede d to reach the 
level specified in this Standard .  
Estimate of cost incurred (plant 
material, fertilizer, labor etc.) to reach 
the level specified in this Standard .  
Detailed overview of cost incurred (planting 
material, fertilizer, labor, etc. to reach the 
high le vel specified in  this standard . 
 
Genera l under standing of timeline 
neede d to adjust farm rehab ilitation 
to financial capacity.  
Estimate of time neede d to reach the 
level specified in this Standar d 
depend ing on capac ity for investment.  
Detailed plan for gradua l farm improvement 
to reach the level specified in  this Standar d 
on capac ity for investment... 
 
Registered farmer knowledge.  
Under standing of effort, cost and time 
neede d to reach the level specified in 
this Standard .  
Year-by-year estimate of effort, cost and 
time neede d to reach the high level 
specified in this Standar d including yearly 
targets for monitoring. 
 
 DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  
 
 
Alphab etical Index  of Terms  
 
abuse  
 
 
3.1 
 
agricultural worker  
3.2 
 
agroforestry  
3.3 
 
annual work  plan  
3.4 
 
audit  
3.5 
 
audit criteria  
3.6 
 
audit evidence  
3.7 
 
audit findings  
3.8 
 
child  
3.9 
 
child labour  
3.10 
 
child/light work   
3.11 
 
coaching  
3.12 
 
cocoa  
3.13 
 
cocoa bean  
3.14 
 
cocoa farm  
3.15 
 
cocoa farm development plan (CFDP)  
3.16 
 
cocoa field  
3.17 
 
competence  
3.18 
 
conformity  
3.19 
 
continual improvement  
3.20 
 
corrective action  
3.21 
 
cost recovery mechanisms  
3.22 
 
customer  
3.23 
 
deforestation  
3.24 
 
discrimination  
3.25 
 
documented information  
3.26 
 
ecosystem  
3.27 
 
effectiveness  
3.28  
  
endangered species 3.29 
 
farmer   
3.30 
farmer  as an entity 3.31 
 
Farmer  as an entity/farmer  group/farmer  cooperative (Recognized Entity)  
3.32 
 
farmer  cooperative  
3.33 
 
farmer  group  
3.34 
 
farmer  premium  
3.35 
 
fertilizer  
3.36 
 
First buyer  
3.37 
 
forced labour  
3.38 
 
forest degradation  
3.39 
 
gender  
3.40 
 
habitat  
3.41 
 
harassment  
3.42 
 
hazardous work   
3.43 
 
hired agricultural worker  
3.44 
 
homologated fertilizer  
3.45 
 
household  
3.46 
 
human rights  
3.47 
 
integrated pest and disease management  
3.48 
 
management  
3.49 
 
management systems  
3.50 
 
man-made  
3.51 
 
measurement  
3.52 
 
monitoring  
3.53 
nonconformity 3.54 
 
objective  
3.55 
 
objective evidence  
3.56 
 
performance  
3.57 
 
policy  
3.58 DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  
 
 
primary forest 3.59 
 
process  
3.60 
 
prote cted area  
3.61 
 
recognised entity ( farmer  as an entity/farmer  group/farmer cooperative)  
3.62 
 
registered farmer  
3.63 
 
regular hired worker  
3.64 
 
regulator/legal entity  
3.65 
 
requirement  
3.66 
 
resilience  
3.67 
 
risk  
3.68 
 
risk inventory  
3.69 
 
secondary forest  
3.70 
 
stakeholder  
3.71 
 
start-up costs of implementation  
3.72 
 
supplier  
3.73 
 
sustainability  
3.74 
 
system  
3.75 
 
temporary hired worker  
3.76 
 
threat ened species  
3.77 
 
top management  
3.78 
 
traceability  
3.79 
 
wage  worker  
3.80 
 
worst forms of child labour  
3.81 
 
youth  
3.82 
 
 
  
 Bibliography  
 
[1]        ISO 2451, Cocoa beans — Specification and quality requirements 
 
[2]        ISO 9000, Quality management systems — Fundamentals and vocabulary 
 
[3]        ISO 19011, Guidelines for auditing management systems 
 
[4]        ISO 2292:2017, Cocoa beans — sampling 
 
[5]        ISO 2451:2017, Cocoa beans — Specification and quality requirements 
 
[5] ISO 34101-1:2019, Sustainable and traceable cocoa — Part 1: Requirements for cocoa 
sustainability management systems 
 
[6] ISO 34101-2:2019, Sustainable and traceable cocoa — Part 2: Requirements for 
performance (related to economic, social and environmental aspects) 
 
[7]        ISO 34101-3:2019, Sustainable and traceable cocoa — Part 3: Requirements for traceability 
 
[8] ISO 34101-4:2019, Sustainable and traceable cocoa — Part 4: Requirements for certification 
schemes 
 
[9]        International Labour Organization (ILO): Forced Labour Convention (No. 29). 1930 
 
[10]      International Labour Organization (ILO): Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right 
to 
Organise Conv ention (No. 87). 1948 
 
[11]      International Labour Organization (ILO): Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining 
Conve ntion 
(No. 98). 1949 
[12]      International Labour Organization (ILO): Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100). 1951 
[13]      International Labour Organization (ILO): Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No. 105). 
1957  
 
[14]      International Labour Organization (ILO): Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) 
Conve ntion 
(No.111). 1958 
 
[16]      International Labour Organization (ILO): Minimum Age for Admission to Employment and 
Work 
(No. 138). 1999 
 
[18]      International Labour Organization (ILO): Worst Forms of Child Labour Conv ention (No. 182). 
1999  
 
International Labour Organization (ILO): Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) 
 
[19]      Ohada Uniform Act of 15 December 2010 on the Law of Cooperative Societies (Articles 4, 5 
and 
6) 
[20]      United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Convention on Biological Diversity. 1992 
[21]      United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Montreal Protocol on Substances that 
Deplete 
the Ozone Layer. 1989 
  
 
 
[22]      United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Convention on Biological Diversity. 1992 
[23]      United Nations General Assembly: Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 1948 
[24]      United Nations General Assembly: International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 1966 
 
[25]      United Nations General Assembly: International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural 
Rights. 1966 
 DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  
APPENDIX 1  
(INFORMATION)  
 
RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL  
 
The checklist below is divided into thematic risk areas, each with a list of potential risks and problems to guide you in identifying risks. The list consists of questions that can be 
used to identify risks and prepare an appropriate mitigation measure.  
 
SOCIAL ASPECTS  
Thematic Risk 
Area  Potential risks and 
problems  Not 
common  Common  Very 
common  Not 
applicable  Who is harmed?  Mitigation measure  
Prevention of 
discrimination, 
harassment and 
abuse  The following populations are 
present on or near the farm 
or group: Migrant workers; 
Specific ethnic minorities; 
Indigenous people; people 
that do not speak the 
dominant language in the 
country and region.        
 The following populations are 
present on or near the farm 
or group: Women, disabled, 
HIV positive.        
 Hired workers/registered 
farmers are subjected to 
corporal punishment, mental 
or physical coercion, or 
verbal abuse.        
 Management is regularly 
taking targeted actions to 
prevent violence and 
harassment (including sexual 
harassment).        
 Recognized Entity 
discusses with its 
employees, hired 
workers/registered farmers 
what  constitutes harassment 
and abuse, and explain that 
these practices are not 
acceptable.        DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  All employees, hired 
workers/registered farmers  
are informed about the laws 
prote cting individuals against 
discrimination, harassment 
and abuse.       
 Gender sensitive grievance 
procedure is available and 
regularly communicated to all 
hired workers and registered 
farmers        
 Meetings take place among 
employees, hired 
workers/registered fa rmers 
and their spouses to 
evaluate activities to pre vent 
harassment and abuse.       
 People from certain tribes are 
discriminated against, for 
example in decision making, 
recruitment or income/pay.        
 Women face discrimination 
on the basis of their marital 
or reproductive status.        
 People with a disability are 
not recruited, even though 
they could perform well if 
work methods or work hours 
& pay were adjusted.        
 Some farmers or workers are 
discriminated against, for 
example in decision making, 
recruitment or income/pay, 
due to ethnicity, religion, 
opinion, sexual orientation, 
disability, health status etc.        
 Payments are only made to 
male heads of households.        
 Pregnancy or health tests are 
required as part of job 
applications.        
 Relying on migrant workers 
that face a risk of unfair 
expulsion, without seeking to 
mitigate this risk.        DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  Some workers are forced to 
work, e.g. due to a  debt to 
the farmer or recruit agency, 
or inability of returning home.        
 Proportion of wages are 
withheld and paid at the end 
of the year.        
 Migrant workers are made to 
believe that if they leave 
employment, they will be 
reported to authorities or 
returned to their home 
country, even though not 
required by local laws or 
visa/work permit rules.        
 Recruiters or employers use 
deceptive or coercive 
recruitment practices. For 
example, workers may be led 
to believe that wages or 
benefits are significantly 
better than they actually are.        
 Workers need to pay high 
fees for documentation, 
health che cks, transportation, 
clothing or other 
requirements as part of their 
recruitment.        
 Workers’ identity documents 
are withheld by their 
employer.        
 Workers are deceived or 
threatened to accept terms of 
employment they do not 
consent to.        
 Recruitment agencies are 
widely used but the fairness 
of their practices is not 
monitored.        
        
Gender  equality 
and wom en and 
youth 
empowerment An updated inventory is kept 
of gender and youth related 
issues       DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  The group/farm management 
has already been taking 
actions to address gender 
and/or women and youth 
empowerment for at least 
more than a year        
 Female members represent 
at least 25% of the total 
number of group members        
 Women are currently equally 
represented (in relation to the 
total % of female members or 
workers) amongst trainers, 
supervisors, management 
staff and/or other high -level 
functions within the group or 
farm management .       
 Female workers/group 
members currently eq ually 
participating (compared to 
the total % of female 
members or workers) in 
training s.       
 Wives of male members or 
other female family workers 
participate in training 
activities .       
 Lower wages for women than 
men.        
 Work is organized so that it 
causes particular difficulties 
for women.        
 Women or girls face physical, 
sexual, verbal or 
psychological violence, 
harassment or threats in the 
field.        
 Gender discrimination in 
membership, decision -
making, recruitment or 
promotion.        
 Female workers are only 
given low -skilled work or 
access to work with little 
chance of promotion.        DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  Plantation/cooperative offers 
health services that do not 
serve women’s needs.        
 Women candidates for work 
need to take a pregnancy 
test as a condition for 
recruitment.        
        
Children's rights  The Recognized Entity keeps 
an up -to-date risk inventory 
of children’s rights issues        
 The Recognized Entity 
regularly creates awareness 
of children’s rights among 
agricultural workers and 
children of agricultural 
workers.        
 The Recognized Entity 
quickly  takes the necessary 
measures to prevent risks 
and remedy cases of child 
abuse, exploitation or 
damage, i ncluding activities 
that take place on one or 
more farms and within the 
Farmer Group/Farmer 
Cooperative        
 The Recognized Entity 
checks to  ensure the 
protection and safety of 
children in its activities, 
including activities taking 
place on the farm(s) and 
within the Farmer 
Group/Farmer Cooperative.        
 The Recognized Entity  
actively promote s education 
and school attendance for all 
children and vocational 
training for children of a legal 
working age        
 The Recognized Entity 
creates awareness and 
provides training on 
children’s rights among  hired       DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
 workers/registered farmers 
and employees . 
 The Recognized Entity 
encourage s vocational 
training, apprenticeship and 
employment (excluding 
hazardous tasks) in 
agriculture for youth above 
the legal working age, 
particularly in sustainable 
cocoa production.        
 Migrant workers take their 
children to the farm.        
 Communities do not have a 
primary school within 1 hour 
walking distance.        
 Communities do not have or 
do not organize safe 
transport for children to go to 
school.        
 Children do not attend 
school.        
 Children mainly attend school 
off season.        
 Schools do not follow up on 
attendance of children.        
 Members do not have funds 
to hire workers.        
 Children help with 
preparation of hazardous 
work (for example, carrying 
water for pesticide 
application).        
 Children use sharp 
equipment and tools when 
working on the farm.        
 Children carry heavy loads.        
 Members are very reluctant 
to report any violation of child 
rights.        
 National/district level child 
protection agencies do not 
exist or have very low 
resources or training.        DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  National laws and action 
plans have other gaps or are 
not implemented.        
        
Child labour and 
worst forms of 
child labour  The Recognized Entity has 
assessable copies of the 
regulator’s policy on child 
labour       
 Recognized Entity 
communicates child labour 
policy within the entity and 
among agricu ltural workers 
and make it publicly available       
 Recognized Entity publicly 
displays a list of applicable 
hazardous activities among 
Farmer Group/Farmer 
Cooperative and among 
hired workers/registered 
farmers and their children        
 Recognized Entity 
disseminates information 
about the prohibition of 
hazardous work for children 
within the Farmer 
Group/Farmer Cooperative 
and among hired 
workers/registered farmers 
and their children        
 The Recognized Entity has 
clear guidelines on how to  
report suspected cases of 
unconditional worst forms of 
child labour (that is child 
trafficking, bonded labour 
and slave labour) to the 
relevant authorities.        
 Workers and members are 
not aware of differences 
between children helping in 
the farm to learn and child 
labour.        
 The Recognized Entity has 
an updated  risk inventory to 
identify, the possible risks       DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
 related to child labour on 
farms and among the Farmer 
Group/Farmer Cooperative 
and in the communities 
where its hired 
workers/registered far mers 
live. 
        
Employment and 
contractual 
relations  The Recognized Entity 
checks to ensure that each 
registered farmer keeps 
records of all workers on 
his/her farm.        
 The Recognized Entity has 
documented policy on forced 
labour        
 Workers are engaged to work 
under compulsion.        
 Identity document(s) are 
withheld from hired 
workers/registered farmers or 
from employees.        
 Wages of w age workers are 
paid on a regular basis.        
 The frequency and level of 
wage payments are clearly 
communicated at the 
beginning of employment.        
 Regular hired workers are 
provided with written 
contracts or oral contracts 
with a witness specifying 
labour conditions and 
payment arrangements, in a 
language and format they 
can understand, within the 
Farmer Group/ Farmer 
Cooperative.        
 Temporary hired workers 
receive the working 
conditions and workers’ 
rights equivalent of regular 
hired workers, and their 
contractual agreements are       DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
 respected, within the Farmer 
Group/Farmer Cooperative.  
        
Occupational 
health and safety  Updated inventory and action 
plan kept of occupational 
health and safety risks within 
the Farmer Group/ Farmer 
Cooperative and at farm 
level.        
 Personal protective 
equipment is not available.        
 Farmers/workers lack 
awareness of why or how to 
use personal protective 
equipment.        
 Chemicals are used or stored 
in unhealthy or risky ways.        
 Some work tools or methods 
cause injuries or frequent 
accidents.        
 Necessary protective 
equipment not provided free 
of charge but deducted from 
wages.        
 Workers are subjected to 
physically abusive or 
humiliating forms of 
discipline.        
 Sexual abuse or harassment 
happens at workplace.        
 Pregnant or nursing women 
are given tasks with 
considerable health risks.        
 Products that are hazardous 
to end users’ health are 
produced, processed, 
transported, manufactured 
and/or sold.        
 Security services use 
excessive force or threats to 
protect company resources, 
facilities or personnel.        
 Farmers/workers receive no 
training on hazardous tools,       DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
 chemicals and methods and 
health and safety in general.  
 Farming pollutes water, soil 
or air, causing ill -health 
among workers or 
surrounding communities.        
 Farmers and workers do not 
have access to clean water 
to drink, water to wash, and 
toilets.        
        
Social security 
systems  All regular hired workers 
have access to the benefits 
of a provident fund or 
pension scheme, if available.        
 Hired workers are educated 
on the social security 
systems available and 
potential benefits.        
 Hired workers are kept 
updated on their 
contributions to the social 
security scheme        
        
Freedom of 
association and 
collective 
bargaining policy  Wages and working 
conditions are not negotiated 
with legitimate workers’ 
representatives.        
 Trade union members are 
threatened or face retaliation.        
 Security services prevent 
peaceful activities by the 
local community against the 
company.        
 Workers have no written 
contracts, as that often 
makes it more difficult for 
workers to claim their rights.        
 Some workers are forced to 
work, e.g. due to a debt to 
the farmer or recruit agency, 
or inability of returning home.        
 Proportion of wages are 
withheld and paid at the end 
of the year.        DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  Migrant workers are made to 
believe that if they leave 
employment, they will be 
reported to authorities or 
returned to their home 
country, even though not 
required by local laws or 
visa/work permit rules.        
 Recruiters or employers use 
deceptive or coercive 
recruitment practices. For 
example, workers may be led 
to believe that wages or 
benefits are significantly 
better than they actually are.        
 Workers need to pay high 
fees for documentation, 
health che cks, transportation, 
clothing or other 
requirements as part of their 
recruitment.        
 Workers’ identity documents 
are withheld by their 
employer.        
 Workers are deceived or 
threatened to accept terms of 
employment they do not 
consent to.        
 Recruitment agencies are 
widely used but the fairness 
of their practices is not 
monitored.        
 
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS  
Thematic Risk 
Area  Potential risks and 
problems  Not 
common  Common  Very 
common  Not 
applicable  Who is harmed?  Mitigation measure  
        
Protection of 
water bodies  Wasting water        
 Contaminating surface water        
 Contaminating underground 
water        
 Distance of cultivated cocoa 
trees to water bodies is less 
than 10 meters       DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  Distance of at least 10 
meters from new cocoa trees  
to water bodies not covered 
by native vegetation        
 Hired workers/registered 
workers lack knowledge 
about water protection 
requirements       
 Untreated sewage or 
untrea ted wastewater is 
discharged into freshwater  
bodies       
 
Administration 
and safe storage 
of agrochemicals  Warning signs are not placed 
during and after the 
application of agrochemicals        
 Warning signs do not indicate 
the time of application, the 
time before re -entering and 
the recommended days until 
harvest        
 Incompetent persons or 
people handle and store 
agrochemicals       
 Application of un authorized 
agrochemicals       
 Application of expired 
agrochemicals       
 Agrochemical  usage 
informa tion pro vided by the 
supplier and the user manual 
for the delivery mechanism, 
not read and applied.        
 Equipment used for the 
application of agrochemical 
not calibrated and/or not 
suitable       
 Records of agrochemical 
application not kept        
 Children, pregnant women, 
breastfeeding women, and 
people with respiratory 
illnesses handling 
agrochemicals       DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  Spillage of agrochemical due 
to improper closure of 
containers during storage  and 
transportation.       
 No system for collecting 
spillages        
 Absence of d edicated 
storage  facilities for 
agrochemicals with adequate 
ventilation and light       
 Agrochemicals and/or  their 
containers accessible to non- 
authorized  persons and 
animals and/or kept close to  
items to be consumed.       
 Empty agrochemical 
containers are not triple 
rinsed and perforated       
 Empty agrochemical 
containers are not stored, 
handled and disposed of 
appropriately  (as 
recommended by the 
Regulator)        
 
Ecosystem 
protection Farm does not have the 
recommended number of 
multipurpose trees p lanted 
per hectare       
 Farm does not have a 
diversity of native tree 
species planted        
 Farming in prote cted areas, 
such as national parks, 
wildlife refuges, forestry 
reserves and other public or 
priva te conservation area s       
 Deforestation or degradation 
of primary forests       
 Deforestation or degradation 
of secondary forest  without 
the requisite permits        DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  Removal of large native 
trees, that existed prior to the 
establishment of the farm  
without requisite permits        
 Burning of vegetation  to clear 
land       
 Mapping of trees to establish 
ownership.        
 Cocoa farmlands  covered by 
vegetation or mulch        
 Draining of water bodies        
 Hunting of threatened or 
endangered animals        
        
Waste 
management  Training on waste 
management practices        
 Composting carried out in a 
designated area.        
 Waste is only stored and 
disposed of in designated 
areas        
 Expired agrochemicals are 
treated as hazardous waste.        
 Empty agrochemical 
containers are not used for 
any other purposes.        DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
  
APPENDIX 2  
(INFORMATION)  
 
SENSITIZATION, COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING LIST  
 
Sensitizations, communication and trainings listed below may be carried out independently or in packages. Records of such 
sensitizations, communication and/or trainings should be kept.  
 
SENSITIZATION  
1. Sensitization of t he leadership of the farmer group or cooperative on the objectives of the ARS 1000 standards, as well as 
their role, responsibilities and benefits.  
2. Sensitization of farmers on the  objectives of the ARS 1000 standards, as well as his/her role, responsibilit ies and benefits.  
3. Sensitization on management policy  
4. Sensitization on the cocoa sustainability policy 
5. Sensitization on the relevant sustainability goals; 
6. Sensitization on the importance of contribution to the efficiency of the management system, including the ben eficial effects of 
an improvement in cocoa sustainability performance; 
7. Sensitization on the repercussions of non-compliance with the requirements of the management system; 
8. Sensitization on any relevant informa tion specified as a knowledge requirement in the  Standard. 
9. Sensitization on good agricultural practices with respect to planting materials to hired workers/registered farmers.  
10. Sensitization of registered farmers/hired workers  on freedom of association and collective bargaining . 
11. Sensitization on e nvironmental policy 
 
COMMUNICATION  
1. Communicate list of roles, description of the roles, names of responsible persons.  
2. Communicate to the farmers w hatever cost identification and recove ry mechanis ms agreement is reached between the 
Recognized entity and buyer  
3. Communicate the annual work  plan. 
4. Communicate w orkplans and feedback mechanism throughout the entity . 
5. Communicate i nternal inspection checklist that would cover the requirements of the standard  
6. Communicate to f armers upcoming internal inspection/audit to avail themselves for the exercise and also be assured of the 
confidentiality of their information  
7. Communicate to General Assembly reports of performance review s of the entity on an annual basis . 
8. Communicate to members the opportunity to provide feedback on the operations of the organization and assurance provided 
on the confidentiality and non -victimization for provi ding such feedback.  
9. Communicate to hired workers/registered  farmers  information on applicable requirements on rural and agricu ltural development 
plans. 
10. Communicate to hired workers/registered farmers the suitability of product ion of cocoa beans on the intended field(s). 
11. Communicate a vailability, responsibilities and benefits of social security schemes  
 
TRAINING  
1. Training on Internal Management Systems  
2. Training on cocoa farm diagnosis and CFDP development  
3. Training of focal person and all persons who have access to and handle documented information.  
4. Coaching that enables farmers  to implement the  CFDPs. Coaching shall as a minimum include one on- farm coaching 
session per year. 
5. Identify and train internal inspectors and Approval and Sanction committee on the standards, the inspection checklist and 
other relevant topics such as cooperative management , etc 
6. Coaching and support to members to increase their efficiency.  
7. Training to registered farmers in entrepreneurial and managerial skills, taking  into account their level of education and 
competence.  
8. Training on financial management for staff and leadership of the Recognized Entity. The training should also be extended to 
members with focus on book keeping, savings, etc  
9. Training in integrated soil fertility management to hired workers/registered farmers and also provide them with a list of 
approved fertilizers and sources  
10. Training to build the capacity of members and workers to carryout maintenance and rehabilitation of farms.  
11. Training in integrated pest and disease management and sensitize hired workers/registered farmers on the safe use and 
handling of spraying equipment and approved agrochemicals  
12. Training in harvesting and post -harvest techniques to hired workers/registered farmers  
13. Training in climate smart agriculture and crop diversification  
14. Training and sensitization on human rights.  
15. Training and sensitization on prevention of discrimination, harassment and abuse.  
16. Training and sensitization on gender equality and women and youth empowerment to top management, hired workers and 
registered farmers.  DGS IG 1: 2023 
  
 17. Training and sensitization on children’s rights to top management, hired workers and registered farmers.  
18. Training and sensitization on child labour to top management, hired workers and r egistered farmers.  
19. Training and sensitization on employment and contractual relations  
20. Training and sensitization on occupational health and safety to top management, hired workers and registered farmers.  
21. Identify and train workers for hazardous work and provide them with personal protective equipment  
22. Training on protection of water bodies.  
23. Training on ecosystem protection  
24. Training on waste management