In response, a regional workshop organized in partnership with the University of West Indies, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF) and the Ministry of Planning and Development of Trinidad and Tobago, brought together experts from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Peru and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of). With 35 in–person participants and 200 online attendees from 82 countries the event address the pressing issue of sustainable soil management practices to mitigate Cd contamination. Over eight hours, 14 presentations explored the innovative strategies to reduce Cd levels in cocoa-growing plantations. The workshop, held in Trinidad and Tobago at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, featured simultaneous Spanish interpretation to ensure inclusivity and broad regional participation.

The event opened with remarks from Thorunn Wolfram Petursdottir, the Global Soil Partnership Secretary, Gillian Smith, FAO Representative in Trinidad and Tobago, Professor Pathmanathan Umaharan, Director of the Cocoa Research Centre (CRC), and Ian Mohammed from the MALF. Their messages emphasized the urgency of tackling soil pollution and underscored the need for coordinated global efforts to ensure food safety, market access, and sustainability for cocoa farmers.

Key findings and recommendations

1. Soil management and amendments

• Zeolites improve soil structure, enhance nutrient retention, and immobilize Cd, reducing its uptake by cocoa plants.
• Cd-tolerant bacteria (CdtB) transform soluble Cd into non-soluble forms, reducing its availability in the soil, especially when combined with amendments such as biochar and zeolites.

2. Genetic solutions for cocoa plants

• Research at the CRC has identified low-Cd cocoa varieties using low-Cd rootstocks and scions.
• Molecular marker studies are underway to accelerate the breeding of cocoa varieties that naturally accumulate lower levels of Cd.

3. Risk-reduction measures across the value chain

• Pre-harvest strategies: Avoid planting in high-Cd areas, use soil amendments to reduce Cd bioavailability, and apply sustainable agronomic practices.
• Post-harvest interventions: Prevent Pb and Cd contamination during bean transport, fermentation, and drying to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

The workshop reinforced the importance of collaborative action and continued research to address existing data gaps. Stakeholders in the room engaged in dynamic discussions, exchanging knowledge and forging new partnerships. This engagement aligns with broader initiatives such as the ‘’Conservation of the Atlantic Forest through the sustainable management of cocoa agroforestry landscapes’’ (CABRUCA) project on ‘’Conservation of the Atlantic Forest through the sustainable management of cocoa agroforestry landscapes” to be implemented in Brazil and FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (FAORLC) technical cooperation programme (TCP) project on “Prevention and Reduction of Contaminants in Food in the Amazonian Rainforest” to be implemented in five Latin American countries (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) and Ecuador), ensuring long-term sustainability and upscaling of safe cocoa production.

The relevance of this initiative is clear, preventing and mitigating trace element pollution is essential for protecting farmers' livelihoods, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations, and preserving cocoa’s reputation as a valuable global commodity.

Looking Ahead

The success of this workshop marks just the beginning of a larger movement towards sustainable and safe cocoa production. Strengthening regional cooperation, fostering innovation, and enhancing farmer education will be crucial. By working together, stakeholders can ensure that cocoa farming remains a viable, environmentally sound, and economically rewarding industry for generations to come.

As the world’s appetite for chocolate grows, so must FAO commitment to ensuring that it is produced safely, sustainably, and equitably. The insights and recommendations from this workshop pave the way for a future where cocoa farmers thrive, consumers enjoy high-quality products, and the global cocoa industry remains resilient in the face of environmental challenges.