Agroforestry management
We advise on the design and maintenance of cacao agroforestry systems: selection of shade species, pruning, organic fertilization and integrated pest and disease management.
CACAONICA
Field technicians
Our technical team accompanies farming families with specialized support in cacao crop management, building the skills needed to produce quality cacao.
Assistance
Our technical team
CACAONICA's technical team provides close, ongoing support to cacao-farming families, with the aim of strengthening sustainable farm management and improving crop quality and productivity. Through regular visits, our technicians assess the condition of plantations and guide producers in key practices such as pruning, shade management, weed control, fertilization and integrated pest and disease management.
In addition to on-farm technical assistance, the team delivers training on agronomic management, soil conservation, occupational safety and organizational strengthening, helping farming families acquire new knowledge and improve their production practices.
Our work also focuses on environmental protection and social responsibility, promoting reforestation, the care of water sources, respect for labour rights and the preparation of organic fertilizers. All of this takes place within the framework of organic certification and the Rainforest Alliance standard, ensuring responsible, sustainable production with access to international markets.
Areas of work
Our field technicians are organized in four strategic areas to cover producers' needs in a comprehensive way.
Post-harvest and quality
We train producers in controlled fermentation, sun drying on raised beds and proper storage to preserve the bean's organoleptic properties and meet export standards.
Certifications and inspections
We carry out internal inspections for organic, Rainforest Alliance and SPP certifications, ensuring that each farm meets traceability and good-practice requirements.
Organizational strengthening
We accompany farming families in managing their farms, recording lots, planning harvests and taking an active part in cooperative life.
Support methodology
A structured process that delivers measurable results and continuous improvement on every farm.
01
Initial diagnosis
A farm visit to assess the crop, identify needs and set goals together with the producer.
02
Support plan
We design a tailored technical plan with a calendar of visits, training sessions and indicator follow-up.
03
Field training
We run theoretical and practical workshops in the communities served by the cooperative, covering cacao establishment, pruning, grafting, disease control, shade regulation, weed control, harvest, handling of liquid and solid residues, preparation of organic fertilizers and agroforestry designs.
04
Monitoring and evaluation
We follow progress continuously, adjust practices according to results and document the traceability of each lot.
Training
Training of new technicians
CACAONICA runs an ongoing training process to prepare new technicians who will join the support work in cacao-growing communities. The process combines theory and practice, so that each new team member acquires the necessary skills before taking on direct producer support.
Preparation includes internships and field accompaniment alongside more experienced technicians, who pass on practical knowledge of crop management, identification of plant-health problems and the working methods used by the cooperative. This ensures an orderly transition and learning based on real farm experience.
New technicians also take part in diploma courses, workshops and knowledge exchanges developed in partnership with institutions and research centres. These alliances strengthen their technical training and keep their work aligned with the quality and sustainability standards required by national and international markets.
Through this commitment to continuous training, CACAONICA renews and strengthens its technical team, ensuring that farming families continue to receive up-to-date, close and high-quality support.
Impact in figures
Results of technical support in the territory.
372
Associated farming families
42
Communities served
20%
Women's participation in the cooperative
4
Field technicians in the territory
Are you a cacao producer?
If you are part of CACAONICA or would like technical assistance for your farm, get in touch with our field team.
