ASOANE (Asociación Agropecuaria Artesanal Nueva Esperanza) was designated Heirloom by the HCP in 2014 – the first year the organization started designating – and our second Designee from Ecuador.  Since designation, the farmers at ASAONE have been actively maintaining and propagating the Heirloom-designated trees, with the help of the HCP.  

Since 2018 there have been joint activities between HCP and ASOANE, funded by the Lesley Family Foundation, to support the preservation of their Heirloom variety - keeping the preservation of their fine flavor beans at the forefront of our effort.  ASOANE set out to identify their best Heirloom trees for a new experimental plot to propagate and preserve.   Based on the genetic analysis and flavor analysis completed during the Heirloom designation process in 2014, those trees that stood out for their productivity and health (according to the producers' criteria) were selected for further observation.

A group of 85 trees were selected and observed.  The ASOANE team recorded the agronomic data including the productivity and health of each tree along with the organoleptic and genetic analysis of each.  From these 85 trees, based on the data collected, 9 trees were selected for propagation. From this selection, an experimental plot was established, grafted and planted to evaluate the genotypes as grafted trees for a longer period time and with scientific rigor.

The objective is to preserve their Heirloom genetic material that will allow the production of high-quality cacao well in the future.

Five years after the start are the program, we were delighted to catch up with Economist, Farmer, Community Leader, and Founder of ASOANE, Isabel Armijos Macas, to learn more about their growth and how the trees are doing. ​

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Tell us about the nursery!
What's new?

​"We're going on the third year of experimental plot planted with the HCP. We have three varieties in the experimental plot that look promising.We're hoping that by next year (2024) we'll have a great results and be able to propagate the trees in other parts of the property, and in other plots.

We have a clones of an Heirloom-designated tree that is producing more than the famous CCN1 variety. This is a great example of how, with support, Heirloom cacao can be just as productive, or more productive, and give more flavor."

What have been some of the obstacles?

​"Since the experimental plot is still relatively new, having consistent technical support is critical. We would definitely benefit from technical support to be able to ensure the trees are in good health, and we will have good results."
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Image: Training in Cacao Nutrition with ASOANE

What are ASOANE's goals for the future?

"Our immediate goals are to increase cacao production and implement more Heirloom cacao varieties in other plots to increase and preserve biodiversity. We are also hoping to increase chocolate sales with our chocolate made from Heirloom varieties beyond those who understand and appreciate the value of the cacao."

How could HCP support you in achieving these objectives?

"Working with the HCP has helped us understand the value of the cacao we have and create this experimental plot we had been wanting to create. It has also brought our community closer together in understanding these varieties and learning to work with them. It's a great opportunity and incentive for local farmers to maintain their cacao from Ecuador and recognize the value is can have in the market.
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Since our designation, our organization has been internationally recognized for our chocolate, henceforth for our cacao. The HCP could continue to provide technical support for propagating the Heirloom varieties, maintaining the experimental plot, and connecting us with the fine-chocolate makers." 

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Learn more...

HCP #5

https://asoanechocolatefino.wordpress.com/ 

@asoane_ecu