Photos provided by Natalia Aristizábal

Background

The HCP has received a grant from the USDA-FAS-funded Cacao for Peace program. This initiative aims to help Colombian cacao producers achieve Heirloom cacao designation. HCP will collaborate with Colombian partners to facilitate the submission of cacao samples for flavor and genetic analysis. The goal is to identify Colombia’s inaugural Heirloom Designees and provide them with technical support and access to the U.S. fine chocolate market. 

We envision the outcomes of the program will include:

• Opportunity to assist Colombian cacao producers to submit cacao samples to the HCP for analysis and award of Heirloom designation;
• Develop and disseminate a technical manual for the establishment of Heirloom cacao nurseries;
• Establish cacao nurseries to promote the breeding of the newly designated Heirloom cacao plants;
• Increase awareness and accessibility of Colombian cacao in U.S. fine chocolate market.

Summary of Project Status

The Amazonian borders between Brazil, Peru, and Southern Colombia encompass the highest cacao genetic diversity. Colombia shares this source, and its biogeographical differences impose high quality characteristics of its cocoa beans.  The HCP identified Tumaco, Caquetá and Putumayo regions as having cacao cooperatives and associations (small-scale farmers) with experience in fine and flavor cacao production worth identifying and submitting for Heirloom designation.

The HCP contracted a Local Implementing Partner (LIP) in Colombia to conduct expeditions throughout the three identified regions, to introduce the HCP project and philosophy and identify samples for submission to HCP for evaluation. The Local Implementing Partner (LIP) will conduct three visits to Tumaco, Caquetá and Putumayo regions to (1)  to identify key actors in the region (2) conduct training sessions and capacity building (3) generate an action plan aiming to build a network in between farmers, their groups and our experts. 

Caquetá

Located in the south of the country in the Amazon region, Caquetá has favorable agricultural conditions and organized association, but faces challenges in balancing economic incentives with genetic conservation efforts in cacao cultivation. Opportunities lie in preserving genetic diversity and leveraging market differentiation through high-quality cacao, but addressing economic motivations and engaging producers remain critical for sustainable cacao practices and economic development in the region.

On average, about 500 families in Caquetá produce 768 tons of cacao per year; this is 75% of the production in the Amazonian foothills; the remaining 25% is produced in Putumayo and Guaviare, which produce 136.3 and 112 tons, respectively. Between January and September 2022, according to figures from the Dane with ProColombia analysis, Caquetá grew 17.5% in exports, selling US$88,000 in cocoa and its derivatives to the world, a figure that exceeds the record for the whole of 2021, when it was US$75,000.

Putumayo

In Putumayo, cacao cultivation has a significant history and plays a crucial role in the region's economy and culture. Historically, cacao has been cultivated by indigenous communities in the Amazonian rainforest, utilizing traditional agroforestry systems that integrate cacao trees with other native plants.

Despite challenges, cacao production in Putumayo is growing, supported by efforts to improve farming practices, access to credit, and market linkages. Farmer associations and cooperatives, such as those supported by governmental and non-governmental organizations, play a crucial role in organizing farmers and improving their bargaining power.

Based on its strategy position, cooperation, organizations focus on preservation, Putumayo producers have sustainability initiatives that focus on sustainable farming practices, biodiversity conservation, and community development, aiming to ensure long-term viability and resilience.

Tumaco

Tumaco, located on the Pacific coast of Colombia in the Nariño department, is renowned for its unique and high quality cacao. Known as "The Pearl of the Pacific", Tumaco contributes approximately 6% of the cocoa production in Colombia. Historically, cacao has been cultivated in Tumaco for centuries, with traditional methods passed down through generations. Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities have played a pivotal role in sustaining cacao farming, often intercropping cacao with other crops like plantains and timber trees, also the palm industry is very strong in the area. This biodiversity-friendly approach not only supports sustainable agriculture but also helps preserve the region's rich ecosystem.

International recognition in awards such as the Cacao de Oro and chocolatier awards featuring Tumaco-origin bars underscores local achievements. While organizations are established, their operational reach within the territory is approximately 30%, constrained by limited resources for characterization, territorial presence, and ensuring operational sustainability.

The HCP's Technical Nursery Guide

The Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP) developed this technical nursery manual to share best practices for the preservation and propagation of Heirloom varieties. Using experiences and lessons learned from past nursery programs conducted at designee sites in Hawaii, Belize, Ecuador and Costa Rica, this guide describes how to manage the production of cocoa seedlings and grafted plants in nurseries following HCPs methodology.

It is available for download in English, Spanish and French. 

Download the Guide