Cocoa Innovation Network

Develop comprehensive management practices aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the cocoa production system in the 18 prioritized departments. These practices should contribute to a 15% long-term reduction in the unit cost of cocoa production (per kg), increase by at least 10% the areas under sustainable management, conservation, or restoration practices, and facilitate the establishment of effective medium-term partnerships.

Promote environmentally sustainable family farming systems through the adoption of agroforestry models and efficient water management practices. These efforts should help the 16 prioritized cocoa departments to: a) expand areas under sustainable management, conservation, restoration, and adaptation practices; b) reduce the impacts of climate variability and change; c) lower unit production costs by 40%; d) increase cocoa’s added value by accessing specialty markets with differentiated prices; and e) establish effective medium-term partnerships.

Advance genetic improvement through the development of disease-resistant cocoa varieties with higher productivity and quality. This will enable the 16 prioritized cocoa departments to reduce losses by 18%, increase added value to access specialized markets, and establish effective medium-term partnerships.

Improve post-harvest processing and agro-industrial transformation of cocoa beans and system by-products in the 16 prioritized departments by designing and implementing protocols and prototypes. These improvements aim to enhance product safety, increase added value, incorporate new species into production units in the long term, and establish effective medium-term partnerships.

Develop strategies to reduce the absorption of heavy metals, ensuring the long-term safety of cocoa at permissible levels for commercialization. These actions will also support the integration of new species into productive units and the formation of effective medium-term partnerships in the 18 prioritized departments.

Implement integrated phytosanitary management schemes in the 16 prioritized cocoa departments to reduce the incidence of pests and diseases. These schemes will support a 15% medium-term reduction in unit production costs and promote the establishment of effective partnerships.