About the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund

The HCP’s mission is to

“discover, identify and preserve fine flavor
heirloom cacao varieties for the conservation of biological diversity
and the empowerment of farming communities."

Launched in 2012 in partnership with the USDA-ARS and the Fine Chocolate Industry Association, the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP) formed in response to the global pressures of environmental change, deforestation, and economic influences threatening the world’s supply of high quality, flavorful cacao.

As a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization, the HCP is committed to enhancing the lives of cacao farmers and their families through educational programs and by providing tangible resources for farmers. We encourage ethical cacao farming practices and actively support farmers at origin.

The preservation of the finest chocolate is all about cacao sustainability. Ensuring the survival of exceptional cacao bio-diversity safeguards the future of the industry, and assists with economic, social, and environmental benefits to farmers and their communities.

Discover

We are active on the ground with local partners in various cacao-producing regions to train all farmers how to better understand the value of their cacao.

HCP in Action

Identify

Through bursary sponsorship and grant funding from USDA, USAID, and the Lesley Family Foundation, we work with local cacao consultants and engineers in-region to help farmers submit samples to the HCP for genetic and flavor analysis for potential Heirloom designation.

Meet our Farmers

Preserve

Once designated Heirloom, our farmers have a full library of resources and access to a full network of the craft chocolate industry to get better prices and maintain flavor quality standards for their exceptional beans.

Browse our resource library