Chontalpa Cacao Presidium in Mexico

The state of Tabasco in southeast Mexico has deep links with the history of cacao (whose cultivation dates back to the time of the Olmecs in 1400 BC), and the area currently accounts for 80% of Mexico's production. Chontalpa, the most suitable growing area, is considered the place where one of the oldest varieties of cacao, Criollo, originated. Here cacao cultivation is the only source of income for small farmers, where they are forced to sell their harvest to intermediaries at very low prices.

The Presidium was created following the devastating flood in 2007, which amplified the problems afflicting producers: poor access to credit and the market, and in particular, the spread of Monilia roreri in the plantations, a fungal disease that develops in very humid locations and causes pods to rot, damaging the harvest. As a result producers began to sell their land and emigrate to the cities.

Supporting the cooperatives of small cacao producers in Tabasco means helping them to combat the spread of Monilia roreri, providing technical assistance to improve cacao quality and strengthening their organization so they can sell directly to consumers at more profitable prices.

The total cost to carry out these activities in 2010 is € 26,000, as shown in the following estimate:

• Local technical assistance € 2,200
• Training course for 32 new producers wanting to join the Presidium € 1,300
• Purchase of 64 wooden fermentation boxes for the new Presidium producers € 3,400
• Purchase of 32 driers for the new Presidium producers € 6,700
• Training course to control Monilia roeri € 1,100
• Attendance of 3 Presidium representatives at the Salone del Gusto and Terra Madre 2010 €8,000
• Project coordination € 2,000
• Operational support € 1,300

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