encouraging sustainable, responsible cocoa growing

Saturday, I returned from San Jose, Costa Rica after attending the 15th International Cocoa Research Conference, hosted by the Cocoa Producer’s Alliance (COPAL). This conference is held every three years in the tropics. It provides an opportunity for cocoa researchers from around the world to share information on plant protection, genetics, cocoa by-products, agronomy/agroforestry, chemistry and human health. Over 100 papers were presented in 5 days!

I left the meeting appreciating the important work that scientists are making to protect this fragile tree crop. The session ended with a “score card” of achievements and challenges. Good progress is being made on identifying and combating some of the fungal diseases, although much work remains. Less is known about how to control insect pests such as Cocoa Pod Borer in Southeast Asia, and Mirids in West Africa. There is also a need to strengthen soil fertility research, and to better understand successful agroforestry models.

The World Cocoa Foundation and industry partners have provided financial and technical support on research programs in West Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. USDA is a key partner, along with CIRAD (French), IPGRI, University of Redding, Pennsylvania State University and many cocoa-growing country research institutes. This research can and will enables cocoa farmers to grow healthy and profitable crops.

Bill