Cacao proposal

Cacao proposal

This newspaper reported on Sunday that the Dominican Republic (DR), a global leader in organic cacao production, presented a proposal to the government to cultivate that crop in Guyana and according to Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, talks were to be held this week with a team from the DR. No doubt, this initiative was spurred by the current lucrative international market, as well as Guyana鈥檚 鈥渆xcellent soil and weather conditions鈥, which DR Ambassador Ernesto Torres spoke about to this newspaper.

On the face of it, and depending on the terms advanced by the DR team, this is a proposal that has the potential to create jobs here and generate foreign exchange. It should be noted that the DR is the world鈥檚 tenth most important cocoa producer and the largest exporter of organic cocoa, which means it has both expertise in growing cacao as well as established market access. In addition, research reveals that the DR has demonstrated commitment to sustainable practices. Its Cacao Forest project, for which it has received support from the French Develop-ment Agency and other organisations, involves growing the crops within the forest, rather than removing trees for plantation-style agriculture. The DR鈥檚 Cacao Forest project has successfully developed other agroforestry models that not only increase profitability but also enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and reduce the need for chemical inputs, demonstrating a blueprint for sustainable and profitable cacao cultivation. Further, it is in compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulations.

However, lest we forget 鈥 and the article on Sunday did point this out 鈥 Guyana had delved into the cultivation of organic cocoa some 25 years ago. Following a visit here by Prince Charles in February 2000, the British High Com-mission had approved a grant to the tune of US$43,000 to the Mabaruma Hosororo Organic Cocoa Growers Association. That money was to be used for the rehabilitation of existing cocoa plots, submission of documents to Soils UK Association Ltd for certification as well as the certification fee, procurement of a vehicle and other human and physical resources.

For reasons that were never fully ventilated, that project ultimately failed; the growers were unable to produce enough cocoa to meet the export market鈥檚 target. Even though the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute was involved, the crop was clearly not a priority for the then government. So while cultivation continued and the cocoa was sold locally, it could no longer be deemed organic. Blue Flame Women鈥檚 Group in Mabaruma still purchases the cacao, processes it and sells cocoa sticks, which are sometimes available at a few locations in George-town. The group is not always able to get their product to the city in a timely fashion.

Meanwhile, over the years, this newspaper has spoken with at least three local chocolatiers, each of whom expressed experiencing difficulties in sourcing consistent supplies of quality cocoa beans. One of them, Andrew Campbell, started a project in 2022 in which he provided local growers with seedlings free of cost. At the time, he had also questioned the government鈥檚 lack of support to the industry.

It should be noted here that various administra-tions have been pouring billions of dollars into the sugar industry which has been consistently deficient. For last year and this year alone, sugar has been earmarked to receive $28.3 billion, the return on investment for which remains dismal. Less than 1% of that sum injected into the cacao industry would surely revitalise it. And this is information no one should have to wait to hear from a DR team, their expertise notwithstanding.

From all indications, the global cacao market stands wide open. According to a May 2025 report, the European Union imports more than two-thirds of its cocoa from countries ill-prepared for climate change, and whose biodiversity is not intact. Cocoa supply shortages are ongoing. Furthermore not every country is prepared, willing or able to go the route of obtaining organic certification, which is subject to annual renewal and a yearly onsite inspection complete with fees. The report highlights the need for large chocolate manufacturers to invest in climate adaptation and biodiversity protection, suggesting a shared responsibility that extends beyond individual nations.

Once certain preparations are made and there are systems in place, Guyana could be one of the countries reversing that global shortfall. This absolutely can be done within the confines of an equitable partnership with the DR, bolstered by robust government oversight. One hopes the DR鈥檚 proposal clearly outlines how local Guyanese farmers will truly benefit, not just as labourers, but as partners with a share in the profits and the development of the value chain. If it falls short of that mark, there鈥檚 nothing stopping this country from accessing the necessary expertise and going it alone as long as the protection and empowerment of local farmers/producers are prioritised.

The lessons from past challenges in the local cacao sector are waiting to be learned. The best outcome will depend on a partnership that is not only economically viable but also socially equitable and environmentally sustainable, ensuring that the benefits are widely distributed and not just reaped by external interests.

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