Cocoa is a crop that Trinidad and Tobago has cultivated for centuries, especially during the colonial era. However, due to natural disasters, diseases, and changes in the economy, the cocoa industry has significantly decreased. The Cocoa Consultation was held at the Belle Garden Multipurpose Centre. The Secretary for the Division of Food Security, Natisha Charles-Pantin, noted that this was the first stakeholder consultation aimed at reviving the cocoa industry. She shared that the vision for the industry is… “To first revitalize or rehabilitate those cocoa fields that we have in Tobago, both public and private estates in order to bring back or resuscitate the industry.“
Charles-Pantin highlighted their capitalization on the history of these estates, particularly with the “Lure Great River Cocoa Estate Experience.” She also deemed the consultation a success. Porter Bordeaux, a member of the Tobago Mega Farming Committee, indicated that the consultation served as a fact-finding mission for the cocoa industry. Bordeaux noted it was led by the Mega Farming Committee and hinted at more initiatives to come.
Bordeaux shared that many farmers had several questions that were answered, and they are looking forward to meeting with the farmers.
Veterinarian Officer in the Division of Food Security, Dr. Paul Crooks, served as the moderator for the consultation. He explained that their objective was to gather feedback from stakeholders currently involved in the industry. Crooks stated that the consultation covered topics such as ecotourism, cocoa pod processing, strategies for Tobago to meet the demands that currently exceed the supply, and methods to address pest-related challenges.
