Dominicana Conacado BIO Ceremonial Cocoa

Conacado, operating in the Dominican Republic for more than 33 years, specializes in the production, processing and sale of cocoa. The company offers BIO/Organic certified cocoa and is a member of the Rainforest Alliance, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices..

The Conacado farmers' association has nearly 200 cooperatives, with several thousand small cocoa producers participating. The average farm covers about 4 hectares. The cacao trees are grown in the shade of naturally occurring trees in the area, as well as banana, citrus and avocado trees, whose fruit goes to local markets..

Nearly half of the cocoa beans harvested are sold on Fairtrade terms. The additional funds obtained in this way are invested in the purchase of equipment and the construction of warehouses, increasing the quality of the crop. The association also employs 30 agricultural advisors who teach farmers how to increase production efficiency, convert to organic farming and plant new trees..

Thanks to Fairtrade's partnership, new schools have been built and existing ones renovated. Funded scholarships and grants for school supplies enable children from impoverished families to study. A new computer center helps children learn and provides the community with Internet access. The construction of a health center, a free health check-up program and projects providing access to clean water are improving the health of local residents..