Aligning Strategic Objectives with Research and Development Activities in a Soft Commodity Sector: A Technological Plan for Colombian Cocoa Producers

Abstract

Although Colombia has the potential to be a cocoa producer for fine flavor and high value markets, it is not greatly recognized as such. In spite of the government’s interest to position the country as a major specialty cocoa producer, no strategic actions have been taken to develop and strengthen this aspect of the value chain. This study structured a technology roadmap for the sector that identifies major research and development investment opportunities by examining the current challenges and weaknesses in key dimensions of the sector (e.g., postharvest technology, quality, capacity, and markets) that impinge on quality and add value to the product. These challenges are identified through a multidimensional and region-specific gap analysis that integrates the advances and technological trends developed worldwide as ideal practice scenarios. The findings of this study should help in prioritizing the investment of public and private resources in the sector in order to better position Colombia in the global specialty cocoa market.

Multivariate analysis of the adoption of cacao productive technologies: Evidence from a case study in Colombia

“…Previous research suggests a need to strengthen this industry via improved practices in each segment of its value chain (Escobar et al, 2020). While some experts argue that national production should focus more broadly on supplying unsatisfied local demand for cacao (Abbott et al, 2018), others emphasize that high-value markets should remain a target for the mid-and long-run (Cely Torres, 2017;Escobar et al, 2020). Either way, there is a consensus on an urgent need to improve farmers' technical capacities.…”

Cadmium in Cacao: ‘From Soil to Bar’ the Journey of Cadmium at a Farm Level

“…The TUCC treatment was developed according to the protocol reported by Santander et al, 2020 In prep. This is a process by which the cocoa seeds from the mix of cacao materials mentioned above, were transformed through the simulation of the conditions of SF occurring on the eld (Supplementary Figure S2).…”

“…the diversity of the cocoa materials produced in Santander, comprising both international materials such as CCN51, EET8, IMC67, ICS1, ICS95, TSH565 and ICS60, and regional materials such as TCS01, TCS06, FEC2 and FSV41; iv. Record of the highest soil Cd content found in the district 9 and v. the appropriate level of technology in terms of methods and systems for post-harvest based on the processing criteria to obtain high quality cocoa products 37 .…”

“…A pH meter (Mettler Toledo, Giessen, Germany) was used to measure the pH of the supernatant. 4.3.2 Transformation under controlled conditions (TUCC) using acidic solutions: acetic acid and lactic acid The TUCC treatment was developed according to the protocol reported by Santander et al, 2020 In prep. This is a process by which the cocoa seeds from the mix of cacao materials mentioned above, were transformed through the simulation of the conditions of SF occurring on the eld (Supplementary Figure S2).…”

Efecto de la fertilización orgánica y la poda sobre la producción de cacao en Cundinamarca, Colombia

“…More than 190,000 ha of land were dedicated to the cacao crop in 2018, of which 5,100 ha were cultivated in the department of Cundinamarca (Agronet, 2020). About 98 % of the cacao in the country is cultivated by small and medium growers of low income (Escobar et al 2020): the cultivated private lots are small (1-5ha), the trees frequently require renovation and are lacking adequate agricultural practices results in low yields (Fedecacao, 2020). Nevertheless, this crop might have a significant impact on the national economy, considering that Colombia is the center of the genetic origin of cacao (Osorio-Guarín et al 2017).…”