In May 2026, several expert events focused on the challenges and opportunities of sustainable agricultural supply chains. ConPolicy Managing Director Prof. Dr. Christian Thorun moderated the virtual SASI Lunchbreak on the practical implementation of due diligence obligations, an event hosted by WWF Germany on biodiversity in cocoa cultivation, as well as the annual general meeting of the German Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa (Forum Nachhaltiger Kakao) in Berlin.
The discussions centered on how ecological and social sustainability goals can be more effectively integrated into corporate strategies and implemented along global supply chains. Topics included the practical implementation of regulatory requirements, biodiversity-promoting approaches in cocoa cultivation, and the promotion of living incomes for producers.
The events highlighted that the necessary transformations in agricultural supply chains initially require higher investments. Measures aimed at protecting biodiversity and improving living conditions in producing regions generate additional costs, but are considered essential prerequisites for sustainable, human rights-compliant and resilient supply chains as well as for long-term competitiveness. At the same time, the discussions underscored that climate change, biodiversity loss, and persistent poverty require coordinated and long-term commitment from businesses, policymakers, and civil society alike.