The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) in partnership with the French institution Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) is pleased to announce that the second edition of the International Symposium on Cocoa Research will be taking place on 27-28-29 September 2021 in Montpellier, France.

The International Cocoa Research Symposium is becoming a well-established event in the sector, having previously attracted over 500 participants, not only from the scientific community, but also from the entire cocoa value chain, making it a must-attend event for anyone concerned about the future of cocoa.

The Symposium represents a unique opportunity for participants to interact with cocoa industry leaders and high-level speakers, who will present their latest studies and point the way forward for the cocoa sector. The main theme of this edition of the symposium is "Innovations to Support Market Development and Promote Sustainability in Cocoa Farming to Improve Farmers' Incomes".

In order to facilitate the reception of papers and presentations, as well as the registration to attend the event, the organization has published the website www.iscrsymposium.org from which all the information related to the event, the different thematic areas, as well as the conditions and requirements to send the papers can be consulted. The period for submission of papers is open until March 20th, 2021.

For all those who wish to attend the event, which will comply with the strictest measures in terms of prevention of COVID, there are reduced rates until April 30, 2021. Additionally, there are several discounts applicable to students and organizations from ICCO Member and non ICCO Member countries.

About ICCO

The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) is an inter-governmental organization established in 1973 under the auspices of the United Nations and operating within the framework of successive International Cocoa Agreements.

The Organization comprises 51 Member countries, of which 22 are cocoa-exporting countries and 29 are cocoa-importing countries. These Member countries together represent 92% of world cocoa exports and 80% of world cocoa imports.

The ICCO seeks to promote and support the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the cocoa value chain, and particularly to improve the living conditions of cocoa farmers. It acts as a center for knowledge and innovation on the World Cocoa Economy; a platform for institutional cooperation, fostering dialogue among its Member countries and between key stakeholders in the cocoa value chain; a source of technical assistance for its Member countries.

www.icco.org

About CIRAD

CIRAD is the French agricultural research and international cooperation organization working for the sustainable development of tropical and Mediterranean regions.

It works with its partners to build knowledge and solutions and invent resilient farming systems for a more sustainable, inclusive world. It mobilizes science, innovation and training in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Its expertise supports the entire range of stakeholders, from producers to public policymakers, to foster biodiversity protection, agroecological transitions, food system sustainability, health (of plants, animals and ecosystems), sustainable development of rural territories, and their resilience to climate change. CIRAD works in some fifty countries on every continent, thanks to the expertise of its 1650 staff members, including 1140 scientists, backed by a global network of some 200 partners As such, it supports French scientific diplomacy operations.

www.cirad.fr

Press accreditations to attend the event can be requested by emailing events@icco.org or congrescacao2021@cirad.fr