Cocoa farmers spotlight

JAMAICA’S COCOA has been regarded among the elite in the world of cocoa. Jamaica is one of eight countries recognised by the International Cocoa Organization as a producer of 100 per cent ‘Fine or Flavour’ cocoa.

This prestigious recognition and acclaim has been built on the backs of our cocoa farmers, and today as Jamaica celebrates National Cocoa Day, the management and staff of the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) takes the opportunity to shine the spotlight on some of the cocoa sector’s farmers who are light bearers laying the foundation to our very precious sector.

BACHELOR’S HALL ESTATE

When one think of Bachelor’s Hall nothing earth-shattering readily comes to mind. However, this small rural community, which is located approximately 50 kilometres east of Kingston city, is home to a wide variety of awardwinning chocolate bars.

The conceptualiser behind this achievement is Desmond Jadusingh, the farmer who has continued a family tradition of cocoa cultivation, started by his grandfather.

Bachelor’s Estate, which began cocoa production in the 1800s, is now home to five widely recognised chocolate brands that have placed the estate and Jamaica’s cocoa industry at the heart of many chocolate lovers.

Jadusingh prides himself as an agro-forestry producer who relies on a regenerative agriculture principle to improve soil health, provide nutrition and food security. This principle embodies the philosophy of JACRA of sustainability through economic, social and environmental pathways.

On this National Cocoa Day, JACRA salutes Desmond Jadusingh and Bachelor’s Estate on laying the foundation for the transition of Jamaica’s cocoa industry to being a producer of high-profile value-added products, complementing our fine or flavour producing status.