Agroemprende Cacao Project

View of a plate of fruit and back and dressed with the colors of the Colombian flag

Promoting local development

Agroemprende Cacao was created within the context of the PROCOMPITE project, as a result of an alliance between Repsol, the Canadian Embassy, and SOCODEVI. This project, which impacts more than 1,000 families in 11 municipalities, promotes the economic and social development of farmers in the cocoa production chain in Meta, Colombia. Within this framework, the WORKAKAO cooperative was born, with the mission of leading the cocoa market in the area and promoting the development of the communities in the department.

The renovation of 500 hectares of cocoa and the planting of 500 new hectares in agroforestry systems are some of the examples of actions carried out. The quality of the cocoa resulting from this project has been internationally recognized. In fact, in 2023, the WORKAKAO cocoa sample was chosen as one of the 50 best in the world and in 2024 it received the GOLD category at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris. In addition, three beneficiary organizations of the project received gold, silver, and bronze awards at the Red Cacaotera competition in Colombia.

By 2024, the cooperative already had 10 production units and 2 collection centers with renewable energy, contributing to the 2030 Agenda and strengthening the regional economy and women in leadership roles.

30% increase in the income of supported families

The project covers several areas of action, all of which are carried out by the following associations

More than 900 direct partners participated in this initiative, which was carried out in all local farming communities in the towns of Akacias and Guamal in Colombia, which are located in the direct area of influence of the CPO 09 block.

Asoccuba, cocoa production and marketing, Cubarral offices

Agroguamal, fruit marketing. Guamal Offices

Asofrut, coffee and fruit marketing. El Dorado offices

Asosandía, watermelon production and marketing. San Martín offices

Acuillanos, fish production and marketing. Acacías offices

Asogasan, production and marketing of timber-yielding plants. San Martín offices

Asprocubarral (Association of coffee producers of Cubarral. Cubarral offices)

Asogranjas, Cubarral offices

Foreground of fruits and vegetables at a market stand. Success stories

A sustainable project

The project’s sustainability is considered from its beginning. First each production unit must guarantee that better prices and better marketing channels are guaranteed with the technical and economic support and opening up markets.

In addition, international markets, participation with local and departmental governments, and presentation of programs such as the Ministry of Agriculture’s “Production Partnerships” are beginning with the leadership of Socodevi as an operator of the agreement.