OUR CENTER
Our main research center is located in “La finca El Milagro”. There, we concentrate our efforts to understand in detail the behavior of cacao crops and the nuances in every process. Throughout this work, we want to find the optimal conditions for cacao growth and development and thus, achieve our main goal of producing cacao fino de aroma of the highest quality.
OUR OBJECTIVES AND COMMITMENTS
TRANSFER KNOWLEDGE
Aroco is committed to share knowledge and skills with their partner communities in order to produce cacao with high productivity levels and high-quality standards.
INNOVATE AGRONOMIC PRACTICES
We aim to produce the best fine flavor cacao in the world. Therefore, we research and keep up to date with technological advances and latest agricultural techniques.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
One of our main goals is to preserve the ecosystems. In order to achieve that, we are looking for continuous improvement of our agricultural practices to control soil erosion, collect water and preserve soil fertility.
PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
With our research activities, we attempt to face and offset the current social and economic challenges in the cacao industry.
OUR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF OUR FINE FLAVOR CACAO
SOIL
We see the soil as a biological universe able to sustain our plants. Thus, one of our major concerns is to prevent it from losing its nutritional richness. Throughout organic management, we not only restore pre-existing natural soil conditions, but facilitate the reproduction of beneficial microorganisms.
WATER
Water is currently at the centre of our attention. As one of the greatest users of this resource, we are responsible for maximizing its optimization. We have highly contributed to this effort by leveraging rainwater in our reservoir, which has a capacity to store until 100,000 m3 during periods of high intensity rainfall. Furthermore, we have created strategies to preserve soil humidity levels for as long as possible.
FLOWERS
One of the main challenges for our research center has been the management and care of the structure of cacao flowers. Due to their sensitivity, here is where the major losses in cacao plantations take place. We have achieved to minimize the damage throughout the development of tools that avoid the premature fall or death of cacao flowers.
NUTRITION
We rely upon highly experienced advisors in the field of organic management. They help us to plan fertilization activities that deliver the essential elements for cacao growth and restore natural soil conditions.
PEST MANAGEMENT
Our crops are characterized by having very low incidence of pests and diseases. We accomplish these results throughout preventive management executed on a daily basis. We perform monitoring and timely intervention by employing biological and mechanical procedures, which do not alter the quality of the product and work "in harmony" with the surrounding ecosystem.
