Unlocking the Secrets of Cacao: Empowering Cantapoy Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative through Cacao Bean Fermentation

On April 23, 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry - Surigao del Norte (DTI-SDN) conducted a training on Cacao Bean Fermentation and Processing. The event took place in Barangay Cantapoy, Malimono, Surigao del Norte, a municipality known for its rich agricultural potential. The training was facilitated by Jezabel Tapales, DTI SDN CARP Provincial Coordinator together with DTI-SDN Cacao Provincial Focal Person, Ms. Ninebeth R. Balighot, and Ms. Remedios S. Deguito as Resource Persons of the said activity.

The goal of the training was to equip local cacao growers with the technical know-how to become suppliers of fermented cacao beans to local processors. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote value-added agriculture, where farmers don't just grow crops, but also process them into higher-value products.

Twenty participants, mostly women, gained insights into the cacao industry's value and nutritional benefits. This knowledge is set to foster a sustainable approach to cacao cultivation.

The Cantapoy Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative, composed of local farmers and processors, is poised to play a significant role in this transformation. The cooperative, which is also a dried squid processor, decided to diversify into cacao processing as an additional source of income. With more than 1000 cacao trees already planted, the cooperative is well-positioned to take advantage of this new opportunity.

Some members of the cooperative are already processing tableya, a traditional Filipino chocolate made from fermented and roasted cacao beans. According to the Chairperson of the cooperative, some of the bean buyers are already picking up their orders directly from the area. This indicates a growing interest in locally sourced, high-quality cacao products.

The training on cacao bean fermentation and processing is just the first step in unlocking the secrets of cacao. With the knowledge and skills acquired, the Cantapoy Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative is set to become one of the key players in the local cacao industry. This will not only provide an additional source of income for the members but also contribute to the overall economic development of Surigao del Norte.

Through initiatives like these, the Department of Trade and Industry - Surigao del Norte is fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for the province's agriculture sector.