Entry: Caitlin Smith, Euromar Commodities

I was thrilled to get to attend my first WCF meeting in Accra about a month ago now. Being new to the cocoa industry, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect heading down to Africa for a conference. At the recommendation of my colleague (thanks, Mary!), I signed up for the field visits to have the opportunity to interact with some of the farmers, visit some farms and hear their impressions of the impact of the WCF CLP program.

I had been to Tanzania a number of times, so was familiar with the village atmosphere and approach – or so I thought! We first arrived and shook hands with each of the village elders, who were sitting on plastic chairs under a tent, waiting for us. My favorite was the gentleman in the stunna shades and his traditional garb. (See picture for evidence.) We were able to speak with the farmers about their processes in cocoa, their farming practices, and what they had learned from the Cocoa Livelihoods Program. I was especially pleased to see how the farmers spoke with absolute pride and a sense of deep accomplishment about the skills they had learned. The positive impact was impossible to ignore.

We then went down to some of the farms, where I was taught how to crack open a pod (that got some laughs) and we were able to taste some of the fresh cocoa and put our arms elbow deep into a big pile to assist in mixing before the start of the fermentation process. Messy, but FUN!

Overall, the experience at my first WCF meeting was one to remember. I was able to meet so many people – farmers and WCF members alike – all with such diverse and fascinating stories and experiences, and was able to create some new memories of my own.

See you all in DC in June, 2012!