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The American Cocoa Research Institute Plays Leading Role in Assuring Adequate Cocoa Supply

Satisfying the world's growing appetite for chocolate for generations to come is an important focus of the American Cocoa Research Institute (ACRI), a non-profit organization supported by U.S. chocolate makers. Since 1947, ACRI has funded research in the field and laboratory to continually improve cocoa bean quality, yield, and production methods.

One of ACRI's current efforts is focused on sustainable cocoa farming. Along with many international partners, ACRI is at the forefront of a program aimed at understanding and implementing better ways to produce cocoa on small-farms in biodiverse tropical regions around the world.

The long-term program depends on the cooperation of industry, governmental groups, research institutes, the environmental community and growers.

"Sustainable cocoa farming truly is a large-scale international effort," said Carol Knight, vice president of Scientific Affairs for ACRI, noting that cocoa researchers, ecologists, chocolate industry representatives, and others from 22 countries, gathered to address the issue at the first international symposium on the topic last year. "We share a broad vision for the future of cocoa production which includes long-term profitability for the small farmer, environmental preservation and a dependable cocoa bean supply."

The program is multi-faceted. It involves research to develop cacao trees that will grow best in the shade and reforestation models that can be widely used. Scientists are working to identify the most effective biological methods to control pests and diseases, and ACRI and its partners are targeting new tropical regions of the world where cocoa beans can be grown sustainably. Steps toward introducing sustainable cocoa farming in new regions of Asia Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean already are underway.

Scientists involved in the program agree sustainable growing provides extensive benefits. Cocoa bean production can provide another important "cash crop" to small farmers. Introduced in new regions of the tropics, sustainable growing can offer a new and important means of support as well as a boost to the country's economy. Both tropical and migrating wildlife also gain from sustainable growing, which maintains forest canopy and supports more biodiversity than most other productive land uses.

"There's lots of work ahead to realize the goal of sustainable production," said Knight, "but many organizations are pulling together to help sustainable cocoa farming become a reality."

These organizations include ACRI, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations Development Program, the Smithsonian Institutions, Conservation International, the British Cocoa and Chocolate Association, and the French cocoa research organization CIRAD.

Several international meetings and seminars have been held in recent months to advance sustainable cocoa growing, providing the program with a strong start, according to Knight. "We know this is not a program that can be completed overnight-it may take 10 years to realize all of its many benefits."