Entry: John Long


I recently had the opportunity to represent the World Cocoa Foundation at the International Cacao Symposium in Guatemala. Held on December 4-5, 2008, the Symposium was the first of its kind in this Central American country and was designed to promote cocoa as an important export crop and potential source of improved rural incomes. The Symposium was organized by FundaSistemas, a private foundation created by Rodolfo Paiz to extend a number of social development programs he supported when in government.

Speakers included Eduardo Somarriba of CATIE, Jesus Sanchez of FHIA, Mark Armon of OLAM, Ray Major of Artisan Confections, as well as a number of other government, industry and supply chain representatives. The presentations covered a lot of ground, ranging from the best tree species for shade management, to cocoa's role in moderating global warming, to an in-depth look at cocoa characteristics and the premium chocolate market. The World Cocoa Foundation presentation focused on its work to improve cocoa sustainability around the world, with special attention given to the opportunities in Guatemala as it works to expand cocoa production from the current 1,000 MT to 50,000 MT over the coming years.

Thanks to FundaSistemas, a number of us also had the opportunity to visit cocoa farms near Lanquin and the Don Archila Orchid Collection in Coban. I've included a couple of photos from the trip, one of discussions with local cocoa farmers, another of a model bean drying station.

Many, many thanks to Rodolfo Paiz, his daughter Lucia, Erich Eger and the other wonderful folks from FundaSistemas and ProRural for their hospitality and tremendous work to improve rural livelihoods in Guatemala!