The CacauiCultura Project Has Launched: Boosting Sustainable Cacao Production in Brazil Rondônia, a lush state located in west-central Brazil, has emerged as a key player in country’s cacao industry with a thriving production spread across small family farms in nearly 50 municipalities. Towns like Jaru, Ouro Preto, and Vale do Anari are at the heart of this effort, sending their rich cacao beans to fuel Brazil’s famous chocolate-making hubs in Bahia, São Paulo, and Espírito Santo. The industry is especially important for small-scale farmers, many of whom rely on cacao for their livelihoods. Thanks to its growing reputation, Rondônia now ranks among the top cacao-producing regions in the country, gaining recognition for both quality and sustainability. However, major challenges related to infrastructure and market access are hindering cacao farmers to make the most of the region’s potential. Moreover, large chocolate companies purchase raw cacao but don’t contribute much to local development, leaving little added value for the region. Our new project, CacauiCultura has launched as part of the AL-INVEST funding scheme aiming to support key actors tackle such challenges and unleash the region’s full potential. The path to sustainable cacao farming The project aims to focus on addressing the need for better infrastructure, market diversification, and additional technical support for farmers by providing support in the following areas: Sustainable Practices: Many farmers need support to adopt sustainable techniques that protect the soil and biodiversity. This is essential for long-term viability. Economic Incentives: Farmers struggle with unfair prices for their cocoa, leading to a lack of motivation to stay in the industry in the long run. The project will explore new strategies to improve market access and add value to the product, ensuring a stable and sustainable income. Community Resilience: Many rural families who dependent on cacao farming live in poor conditions. By implementing programmes that strengthen local economies and improve living standards, the project aims to make a lasting difference. Empowering Women and Youth: The project will also focus on involving more women in cacao production and decision-making as well as encouraging young people to remain engaged in farming. The CSCP will implement the CacauiCultura project together with Sebrae-RO, a local branch of Brazil’s Small Business Support Service, which works with small farmers to promote sustainable practices. The project is funded under the European Union AL-INVEST Programme. For further questions, please contact Cristina Fedato. Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes.