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Cacao Excellence and the Importance of Diversity

Please visit cacaonet.org to read about the Global Network for Cacao Genetic Resources (CacaoNet), organized by Bioversity International.

What Makes Cacao Excellent?

  • Good trees (genetics)

  • Well cared for and grown in a suitable environment

  • Pods correctly harvested

  • Good practices to keep the trees healthy and free of pests and diseases

  • Optimum fermentation and drying protocols specific to the type of beans

  • Know-how for processing cacao beans and for chocolate making

Why is Cacao Diversity Important?

Genetic diversity in cacao is declining. This is a serious problem because it increases the vulnerability of cacao to sudden changes in climate, new pests and diseases.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO DECLINING GENETIC DIVERSITY:

  • Habitat loss due to natural disasters and extreme weather

  • Destruction of the Amazon rainforests, the centre of diversity and home of cacao

  • Loss of traditional varieties grown

*Photo from Pixabay.com*

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