Project Number: 1245-21000-267-17
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jan 30, 2012
End Date: Jan 30, 2015

Objective:
To foster the relationship between research, industrial and production interests to facilitate the development and implementation of improved cacao production mechanisms. These approaches to improve cacao production envisioned by this agreement will promote the development of sustainable crop production strategies that will safeguard the supply of this vital raw material.

Approach:
The World Cocoa Foundation and its members actively promote sustainable cacao production through economic and social development and environmental conservation in cacao-growing communities. The project will emphasize the coordination of research approaches and attempt to promote cacao production by incorporating improved management strategies and cultural practices, and through the optimization and use of cacao genetic diversity. The agreement will promote international partnerships and cooperation with the USDA-ARS. This agreement will also provide a forum for interactions between researchers industry members and cacao producers so that immediate research needs can be addressed.