Cocoa farmers given assurance of good sales

According to the CDCTTL, “this announcement was met with excitement by all gathered; and they sought to highlight the further assistance that is required of CDCTTL to get them re-energised in the sector.

These included a reliable supply of labour, the drying process/ method used; adequate drying facilities; price; storage and praedial larceny concerns, among others.” One farmer, Leroy Chrysostom, urged the CDCTTL to address the labour shortage first.

“The labour issue is a real issue.

There is work to be done! This labour pool is required since yesterday. Get the labour moving and you will get the cocoa going,” Chrysostom declared.

Rudder meanwhile lamented that while TT has a world renowned reputation for producing fine or flavour cocoa, quantities have decreased over the years. He said this calls for the CDCTTL’s intervention to turn around production numbers.

Farmer, Carol Noel said, “I am here to listen and learn. What is in it for us? We are land owners and want to invest.” Jensen Alexander, a cocoa farmer and director of the Cocoa Development Company, called on farmers like himself to encourage their children and the younger generation to get involved in cocoa farming.

He said “the transformation has to begin with us! We have to change the mindset of our young persons.” Rudder advised the farmers to form co-operatives to improve their negotiating position and increase the sales of their cocoa beans, a call that was echoed by the President of the Rio Claro Cocoa and Coffee Marketing Cooperative.

Jacqueline Rawlins, a director of the company, said “this Board has been set up to remove all the screws which inhibits the production of cocoa locally. Over time, we will do all that is necessary for the development of the sector to ensure that the revitalisation and modernisation of this industry takes place.” Among the highlights of the session was a presentation to Harryman Chattergoon of the Tabaquite Fermentary, who was listed among the top 50 quality cocoa producers in the world at the annual Excellence Cocoa Awards in Paris, France.