Cacao-agroforestry BFREE

Cacao-Agroforestry

The BFREE rainforest environment, featuring a thick shade canopy, is the ideal location for cacao to thrive.

One of the few wild pure Criollo cacaos known in the world grows wild at BFREE. This rare variety was designated "Heirloom Fine Flavor" by the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund in 2016, one of only 16 in the world.

In 2019, BFREE established a for-profit company, Crioco, with the goal of generating revenue for conservation programs at BFREE, while providing environmental, social, and economic benefits for local farmers. Tens of thousands of cacao and shade tees have been planted to date demonstrating sustainable cacao-agroforestry.

Further Details

The Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP) have generously been providing small grants to BFREE over the past two years to assist with the development of our work to propagate heirloom fine flavor cacao.

HCP was established in 2012 with the mission to “identify and preserve fine flavor “heirloom” cacao for the preservation of biological diversity and the empowerment of farming communities”. Launched in partnership with the USDA and the Fine Chocolate Industry Association, HCP www.hcpcacao.org formed in response to the global pressures of environmental change, deforestation, and economic influences threatening the world’s supply of high quality, flavorful cacao. Recognizing these endangered cacao trees are the foundation for not only delicious chocolate but also the livelihood of many farmers and farming communities, the HCP is the first initiative to identify and map the world of high quality, fine flavor cacao and certify growers of these endangered trees.

The Big
Picture

Cacao agro-forestry fields in the rainforest with plants everywhere and a main grass pathway at the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education

Agriculture in tropical countries including Belize continues to expand at an alarming rate. Along with this increase in agricultural production is the challenge of conserving biodiversity and preserving the ecosystem services provided by tropical forests.

Further Details

Agroforestry has been identified as a potential solution to minimize threats to tropical forests and provide economic income to local communities. However, little is known about the trade-offs between shade-grown crops, such as cacao, and the ecological communities and ecosystem services provided by tropical forests. Studies needed to be conducted to learn more, something BFREE is actively doing.

The Focus
on Cacao

Close-up of cacao pods, which are large textured oval in shape and shades of yellow and light green with brown spots.

By studying cacao plantations across high and low shade ecosystems, BFREE is identifying ways to benefit cacao production, while supporting local ecosystems and conserving biodiversity. The ultimate goal is sharing this knowledge with farmers.

Further Details

The Need for
Conservation

This variety of cacao thrives in the shaded rainforest, further instilling the need to restore tropical forest ecosystems, along with their benefits to cacao agriculture. These discoveries are especially exciting because they prove the need for conservation.

Further Details

The diverse and protected rainforest environment provides a natural barrier to diseases and cross-pollination, creating the ideal conditions to create a high-value crop. These "ideal conditions" that are likely necessary for productivity, a diverse and healthy rainforest habitat, can be recreated.

As a result of this discovery, BFREE began a project to preserve and propagate this rare and wild ancient cacao while investigating its economic, social, and environmental benefits. Propagated from these wild trees grown under a variety of different conditions, BFREE has over 15 acres of cacao growing in an agroforestry environment, where wildlife like Jaguars, Tapirs, Howler monkeys, Harpy eagles, and Scarlet macaws make their home.

Number of shade trees planted during restoration

The total of grafted criollo trees that have be planted

Approximate number of acres of DLA (Deforested Land Areas) are under rehabilitation

Number of tree species planted, with 22 native species used.

The Unique Cacao at BFREE

Who discovered the rare cacao trees at BFREE?

This small pocket of cacao trees were found by Jacob Marlin growing on the 1,153 acre BFREE privately protected area located at the foothills of the Maya Mountains. This area is described as one of the least disturbed and largest continuous expanses of tropical rainforest north of the Amazon.

Is there a cultural significance to the discovery of this species?

Based on the advice of cacao experts, beans from the wild trees were submitted for genetic testing to the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP). The results determined that this could be the original chocolate tree, 100% pure Criollo parentage, grown and revered by the ancient Maya Civilizations.

What designation does the BFREE cacao species hold?

In 2015, the beans were given the designation of “heirloom fine flavor” by HCP, only the 11th chocolate in the world to receive such an honor. Since this designation, BFREE has become an active partner with HCP, working with their support to propagate heirloom fine flavor cacao.

Does BFREE have chocolate made from its Cacao for sale?

Although we have establish our for-profit cacao company, Crioco, we are not yet at the point of producing our own chocolate. That is the ultimate goal and your support can help us get there!