The course helps participants appreciate the Fruit of the Gods in a different light. Back tracing to the origins of the Cocoa tree, and develop knowledge and skills needed for a career in the Cocoa industry, particularly needed for new entrants to cocoa farming. Even if you aren’t ready just yet to become a cocoa farmer, come and find out where your favorite snack comes from and a visit to the resident cocoa trees while our experts impart knowledge and answer questions.

Upon completion of the programme, participants will be able to understand smallholder farm operations, the cocoa buying station, post harvest processing and also to understand the challenges and how farm operations can be made more sustainable and attractive to an aging farmer population.

• You will get quality 1-1 time with other attendees - plus, we have some fun and interactive activities planned!
• Seats are limited, so get your tickets as soon as possible.
• In compliance with Singapore regulations, please ensure you are fully vaccinated in order to enter the venue.
• Suitable for 15yrs and above (contact organizer for group booking (>20pax))

• New entrants to the world of Cocoa
• Academic Institutions e.g. Culinary schools, Secondary schools with farming programmes
• Understand the Cocoa commodity
• Those interested to understand sustainable farming for cocoa & best practices
• Smallholder cocoa farmers
• Interest groups in agronomy, horticulture, community gardeners
• Those who has an interest in understanding cocoa farm operation, post-harvest operation
• General Interest in Cocoa and Chocolate
• Opportunity to learn without leaving the country
• Recommended for ages 15 and above
• #Speak to us if you have a special group

Farm operation

• from growing to maintenance of the cacao trees from the perspective of a smallholder farmer. It will cover issues and challenges they face – from fertilising, pests and disease control, rejuvenating of cacao trees to market access for their harvest.

Post-harvest operation

• at the cacao buying station – collection of freshly harvested wet beans, fermentation process, drying, sorting, bean grading, quality control, packing and shipping

Learning Objectives

Participants will be challenged to think and start conversations on

• Practical solutions to increase farm output ethically and sustainably.
• Partnership with cacao buying stations to play an active role in managing groups of smallholder farmers to adopt best practices.
• Adoption of technology to make farming more productive and attractive to young people.
• The potential of cellular agriculture as the new frontier of cocoa production

Topics include*

• Introduction & Brief History of Cacao & Chocolate
• Country Perspective - Cacao in the Philippines
• Crop Establishment & Maintenance
• Insect Pests & Diseases
• Role of the Cacao Buying Station
• Cacao Harvest & Post-Harvest Practices
• Standard Quality Specification of Cacao Bean

*Subject to change according to the availability of cocoa pods and season

Agenda

• 0915 - 0930 : Participants arrive, settle down
• 0930 - 1200 : Your adventure starts
• 1200 - 1330 : Lunch break
• 1330 - 1700 : Adventure continues
• 1730 - Round up discussion for the day, ends, visit the cocoa tree

*note the above agenda timings might be subjected to some changes

**Standard tea+snack provided during AM/PM breaks, lunch not provided.

Interesting Class Activities*

Depending on the season and availability of cocoa pods, participants might be able to

• Visit cacao trees at Colonial Garden
• Cocoa pod breaking and tasting of fresh cacao beans
• Bean sorting – separate waste, broken, cluster beans, Class A & B beans
• Cut test to check the quality of fermentation

*Subject to change according to the availability of cocoa pods and season & prevailing SMM measures

About the instructor