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Organic cocoa farming in Brazil
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Prompted by the growing interest of consumers in organic products, Barry Callebaut launched a program in November 2001 to develop a source of certified organic quality cocoa in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The south of Bahia was historically known as one of the world’s largest cocoa producing regions, with some 600,000 hectares of cocoa plantations. A widespread attack of the fungus known as witchs’ broom in the 1990s decimated cocoa plantations in the area. Cocoa bean production plummeted from a high of about 400,000 tonnes to about 100,000 tonnes in 2000. By 2005, the total production volume in Brazil had crept back up to 170,000 tonnes. Current estimates indicate that 400,000 hectares are being used to grow cocoa, though at much lower yields per hectare than in previous years. Creating opportunities for cocoa farmers Barry Callebaut’s Organic Cocoa Project offered farmers an opportunity to improve their livelihoods as they restored their farms. Seven target areas were selected for the conversion program: Ilhéus, Itabuna, Ipiaú, Gandú, Ubaitaba, Coaraci and Camacã/Belmonte. Setting up the program involved educating farmers about the benefits and techniques of organic farming. Some 25 local farmers from each area agreed to participate in the training to learn about organic principles and practices and how to implement them on their farms. Barry Callebaut assisted farmers to convert their fields from conventional to organic farming and helped ensure compliance with the requirements of organic certification. We hired and trained field technicians who are based at Barry Callebaut buying stations in key locations. Farmers meet monthly with a field technician for support and advice, and also meet regularly with one another to exchange experiences.
