In Mexico, on September 2, the National Cocoa Day is celebrated. Hershey Mexico and its allies want to continue adding to the cocoa sector, which is why they will continue with their initiative to restore and care for Mexican cocoa.
It has been thanks to this project and the joint work of the three organizations that in the last 10 years they have renewed more than 500 hectares of cultivation and have delivered more than 500,000 cocoa plants. As a result, more than 1,200 producers in Chiapas have benefited.
Currently, the program has a total investment of more than 38 million pesos, it began in January 2012 when Hershey Mexico, Agroindustrias Unidas de Cacao (today ECOM Cacao) and the Fundación Cacao México, formed an alliance to trigger a program of (in the Soconusco area), which was strongly affected by the Moniliasis plague in 2007, causing havoc, diseases and losses of up to 90% of the production of certain plantations.
“Hershey Mexico celebrates 10 years working hand in hand with ECOM and Fundación Cacao México and it fills us with pride to see the changes we have achieved together,” said Mariana Carranza, director of Marketing for Hershey Mexico. The training of producers impacts 17 municipalities of Chiapas and managed to sign a link agreement with the Autonomous University of Chiapas (UNACH) that seeks to make young people aware of the importance of cocoa as a natural resource and as a source of economic development.
The “Hershey’s Cocoa Project” addresses four pillars
A technical team identified cocoa varieties that are resistant to Moniliasis, that preserve the endemic properties and flavors and that take less time to bear their first fruits. Subsequently, a nursery was established for the reproduction of these varieties and a team of agronomists was established that continues to work hand in hand with farmers to train in the best agricultural practices, ensuring that the results are reflected at the time of harvest. They always seek to follow more environmentally friendly processes and respect the traditions of the communities.
There are four fundamental pillars:
- It focuses on the prosperity of communities, follows up and pays attention to the needs of farmers.
- It is focused on the preservation of ecosystems, promotes the diversification of crops.
- It is oriented towards the empowerment of youth, to maintain traditions.
- Try to expand knowledge to raise and promote the cocoa culture within the communities of the area.
With the signing of the contract renewal, Hershey Mexico and its allies reinforce their commitment to support the care of Mexican cocoa through actions that strengthen the social fabric of the communities and promote local employment sources.
“In these 10 years we had the opportunity to work the plantation that at the time was killed by the Moniliasis disease. He has been very important to us because of the technical support he has given us, making a difference in our crop because now we have greater production and profitability,” said Evelia, a cocoa producer in the municipality of Villa Comaltitlán in the State of Chiapas and a beneficiary of the Program.
Hershey Mexico is committed to promoting the preservation of traditions and strengthening the cocoa culture among new generations, in order to achieve an economic boost and a sustainable future.
