Our own cocoa production: La Magdalena

Sustainable farming

We seized the opportunity in 2016 to develop a cocoa farm on 1,536 hectares. Fundamental soil improvement measures had to be implemented before planting the area that was previously used for cattle farming. Drainage was installed to reduce the risk of stagnant moisture and to promote soil aeration and biological soil activity. Spreading organic fertiliser helped to restore the necessary soil quality and to prepare the areas for cocoa production.

We raised the cocoa plants in our own nursery. One million fine cocoa seedlings along with shade trees have been planted on about two-thirds of the farm to date. The remaining one-third is left to nature. Our approach strives to harmonise economy and ecology, and to establish a sustainable balance between cocoa farming and the environment.

Biodiversity

The Dominican Republic’s tropical climate accounts for its extraordinary diversity of species. A rich flora and fauna combined with rapid plant growth create ideal conditions for a varied and dynamic ecosystem. By leaving one-third of our farm untouched, we ensure that these areas remain available to other plants and as a refuge for animals. Our farm workers also support biodiversity by opening the cocoa fruits directly in the field so their husks remain there. They provide nesting sites and food for insects.

The diversity of plants and insects is of great importance for the agricultural use of the remaining areas. It supports the pollination of cocoa flowers, thereby improving crop yields. We are working in an agroforestry system with the native legume piñon cubano. This tree not only provides valuable shade for the cocoa plants but also enriches the soil with natural nutrients. Soil fertility is improved as a result, reducing the need for fertilisers.

Use of pesticides

Crop protection is essential to safeguard harvests in cocoa farming. We are committed to responsible and sustainable crop protection on our cocoa farm. The use of chemicals is strictly limited to the essential minimum and complemented by integrated pest control measures that promote natural antagonists. Only plant protection products that are approved by the authorities and meet high safety standards for health and the environment are used. The Dominican Republic as a signatory of the Stockholm Convention has established strict standards to limit persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Our long-term objective is to replace the use of chemical plant protection products with innovative, environmentally friendly alternatives. We are conducting practical projects in this context. For example, we are using coconut straw as mulch to biologically suppress weeds and reduce the use of plant protection products.

Regular training for our employees not only ensures the proper handling of plant protection products, but also the correct use of the required safety equipment to minimise risks for people and nature.

Appropriate remuneration and social engagement

Around 50 people from the region have found work on our farm under a permanent contract. Their pay exceeds the statutory minimum wage. Occupational health and safety is a top priority on our farm. We regularly train our team in the use of plant protection products, tools and protective clothing, and support them with implementation.

Many of our native colleagues come from the nearby village. In a project partnership with local schools, we have successfully raised awareness among the local population regarding environmental protection through waste separation and composting. The accumulation of waste in the environment has noticeably decreased and the community has become cleaner since the project was launched about five years ago. Sorted organic waste is composted on our farm and the compost is used as organic fertiliser for soil improvement. In a subsequent project, we supported the construction of a public well that supplies clean water for the local population.