BEAN TO BAR
COCOA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
AIM
The aim of the course is to expose students to the range of activities and considerations for running a profitable cocoa farm operation, addressing financial, environmental and social dimensions.
PURPOSE
This course will allow individuals to be able to contribute to enterprise development and value-added products from the cocoa industry in the Caribbean. Our goal is also to attract a younger generation of enthusiastic producers for the industry and provide guidance with respect to product innovation and commercial opportunities.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Participants will gather a holistic understanding of sustainable and financially viable estate operations that focus on the cultivation of cocoa and its companion crops in tropical and sub-tropical regions. For this purpose, participants will be exposed to a comprehensive array of activities and knowledge required to plan, plant and produce the finest crops for further processing.
In addition to farm-related activities participants will incorporate financial considerations and acquire an entrepreneurial perspective that addresses all aspects related to the multi-faceted operations of a modern farm.
Topics include basic soil physical and biological characteristics, resource conservation, irrigation, drainage, water quality, soil and tissue analysis and interpretation, fertilizers and other nutrient sources, soil pH and liming, pest identification, sampling, and control, cropping systems, planting practices, crop growth and development, harvest, storage, and managing production risk, among many others.
Our specialists will share with you the latest expertise in cocoa processing and chocolate manufacturing. You will have the opportunity to visit our partners in Cocoa Production. Upon visiting The Ortinola Estate, you will be given a gran opportunity to have a hands-on approach of the production of chocolate from the bean to the bar.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Demonstrate intricate knowledge of diversified farm operations in the Caribbean.
Evaluate Water, Soil and Nutrient Management Practices.
Design Pest Management Solutions.
Create a workable model for cocoa crop production.
Assess financial, environmental and social dimensions of cocoa cultivation.
Appreciate genetic plant considerations for high farm productivity.
Understand the role of technology in modern farming.
Create a model estate layout for cocoa cultivation and
Design a state of the art post-harvest set-up that ensures highest quality of farm output
The core module of this course explores the various ways where cocoa products can be commercially exploited along the value chain. Students will learn about the type of equipment that is required to convert cocoa beans to value added derivatives, the typical cost for such equipment, space requirements and the wide variety of tools to accomplish the goals to be achieved.
