Cacao Trace strengthens sustainable cocoa production in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD) and the Codespa Foundation concluded the Cacao Trace Project, a European Union-funded initiative designed to help small cocoa producers in Monte Plata meet growing international demands for sustainability, traceability, and deforestation-free production.
Launched in February 2024, the two-and-a-half-year project trained more than 740 producers from 19 organizations, surpassing its initial goal of 700 producers from seven organizations. Training covered sustainable production, good agricultural practices, traceability, marketing, financial management, and compliance with European Union Regulation 2023/1115.
Among the project’s achievements were the legal formalization of four producer organizations, increased participation by women and young people, and opportunities for beneficiaries to take part in agricultural fairs, technical exchanges, and national and international events.
The initiative also developed a blockchain-based digital platform to improve traceability and transparency throughout the cocoa value chain.
A key institutional result was the collaboration among producers, exporters, government agencies, private companies, and international cooperation organizations in developing the country’s first protocol for compliance with EU Regulation 2023/1115 for the cocoa sector.
The protocol was formalized by the Ministry of Agriculture through Resolution 2026-38 and presented to the sector on June 26, establishing a national tool to help Dominican cocoa producers prepare for European market requirements.
JAD and Codespa thanked the institutions, companies, technicians, and producer organizations involved, as well as the European Union for financing and supporting the initiative.
With more than 740 producers trained, 19 organizations involved, new traceability technology, and a national compliance protocol, Cacao Trace leaves behind strengthened capacities and partnerships aimed at making Dominican cocoa more sustainable, traceable, and competitive in international markets.
