The hybrid event brought together smallholder farmers from different countries and sectors and key EU decision makers involved in the legislative process of the proposed EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. The objective was to hear the views, concerns and expectations of smallholders – who will be directly influenced by the CS3D but are often absent from consultations on EU policies.

The event also discussed the achievements, challenges and opportunities of the EU Cocoa Talks and the models that the ensuing partnerships can offer for resolving the specific issues such as pricing and traceability to enable a living income to the cocoa farmers, and find sustainable solutions to issues such as eradication of child labor and deforestation.