1. Increase and promote the production of various types of high-quality certified Mexican cocoa beans.
- We intend to recover domestic high-quality certified production levels of cocoa crops to 130,000 tons in a medium term in order to become a worldwide recognized country for our quality and sustainable cocoa plantations and to be an attractive alternative for global sourcing of this value added crop.
- Support genetic improvement programs which will let us know which cocoa plants varieties have greater resistance to pests. Through them we will determine the properties of each variety to reproduce high yielding clones in order to satisfy future demands.
- Resources will be applied towards renovation, rehabilitation and enlargement of cocoa plantations.
- Provide training and educational programs to farmers, to let them know how to have a better control over “moniliasis” and other pests related with the crop in order to avoid crop losses.
- Investment in Research and Technology Transfer programs in order to improve the quality of cocoa production.
- Establish cocoa Fermentation facilities strategically located according to production volumes in each region.
2. Encourage Domestic Reforestation.
- Through intercropping crops’ and shade trees sowing, we will be encouraging reforestation and will be helping to reduce the global carbon footprint.
- Within the most common tree species used as shade providers for cocoa, we can find the leguminous Mote or Poro (Erythrina), Yaite (Gliricidia), Chalum (Ingas), as some fruit and timber trees.
- Some tropical crops which are compatible with cocoa during the first three years are: Corn, Beans, Yucca, Gandul, Orange and Banana.
- Some tropical fruits compatible with cocoa in a long term are: mamey, citrics, avocado, rambutan, large banana and coconut tree, in addition to diverse timber trees and flowers.
- Some exotic flowers compatible with cocoa are: Hawaiian, Golden, Tropic, Daisies, Orquids, Tobago, etc.
- Some timber woods compatible with cocoa are: Teakwood, Melina, Mahogany, Cedar, Guacanaste, Primavera, Tukey, Chipilín, etc.
- Other species compatible with cocoa: Ornamental (heliconias), ginger family, foliage, pepper, cinnamon.
3. Support farmer aid programs in order to raise their living standards.
- In partnership with other organizations, we will implement a fair trade program for farmers that will allow them to get the ideal surfaces for cocoa and other crops’ sowing, with the purpose of increasing land productivity as well as farmers’ life conditions and get a fair income for their crops.
- Financial aid to help farmers to renew, rehabilitate and enlarge their plantations.
- Start up a trust fund to allow cocoa farmers reach price balances for their productions.
- Through research programs, will be determined the ideal amount of hectares that each farmer must work to increase land’s productivity. We will seek to increase the amount of hectares that each farmer currently have to a minimum surface that allows them to have a better income.
- Educational workshops for farmers to help them to make business plans, manage their budget, implement better agricultural practices and identify problems to have an accurate control of their crops with the purpose of improving their organization and competitiveness. Farmers will have the opportunity to evolve from a subsistence agricultural system to a really sustainable model that will allow them to progress and be successful in their activity.
4. Carry out responsible agricultural practices to encourage land’s protection and the responsible use of water.
- To reduce water pollution we will work to control all sources of contamination such as pesticides and fertilizers, sediment, wastewaters, garbage, fuels and so.
- We will invest in research and infrastructure programs to create sustainable irrigation systems which will include captation and reuse of rain water.
5. Carry out ecological and environmental activities respecting the local biodiversity and with a rational and responsible use of chemicals and pesticides..
- Cacao Mexico is concerned for having good land fertilization through a sustainable use of fertilizers to minimize the negative impacts that they could produce, such as land’s degradation and water pollution.
- Encourage organic fertilizing techniques.
6. Attend to ecological and ambiental needs from cocoa producing zones of the country.
- Contribute to decline the amount of old and abandoned cocoa plantations by farmers.
- Continuous training programs for farmers to teach them to fight and control pests.
7. Carry out assistance and charity activities to help low income communities in the cocoa producing areas.
- In partnership with other institutions, we will provide free medical attention, as well as application of vaccines to the communities of cocoa producing zones in Mexico.
8. “Cacao Mexico” Certification and Quality Guarantee
- This seal is granted to cocoa crops that have accomplished quality standards established by Cacao Mexico Foundation and other proper organizations.