Regional officials and cocoa experts are meeting in St Augustine this week to chart a new future for the Caribbean’s fine-flavour cocoa industry.
The Food and Agriculture Organization and The UWI’s Cocoa Research Centre are hosting a two-day Regional Dialogue aimed at finalizing a roadmap to revitalise the sector.
FAO representative Anne Desrochers told participants the Caribbean has a proud cocoa heritage but must boost productivity and sustainability through science and stronger collaboration.
The meeting also highlighted progress under the FAO’s OCOP initiative, with Trinidad and Tobago recognised globally for exporting 100 percent fine-flavour cocoa.
A new US$5 million phase will expand research, farmer training and market access across 15 countries.
The workshop continues through Friday.
