By the
A.M. Costa Rica staff
The government presented this Sunday the National
Cacao Plan 2018-2028 with which it intends to
increase the production of cocoa in the next ten
years by focusing on: inputs and services,
production, processing, marketing, and consumption.
President Alvarado presented the plan on the estate
of María Elizondo and Juan Carlos Sibaja, owners of
Chocolates Sibaeli, in Katira de Guatuso* in the province of Alajuela.
"María, Juan Carlos and her family are an example of
how hard work, determination, and support of public
institutions can be undertaken and go from a
difficult economic situation to being on the verge
of being cocoa exporters. They tell how the process
has been to move Chocolates Sibaeli forward, "said
President Alvarado.
The National Cacao Plan was built by the
Inter-institutional Cacao Commission, composed of
more than twenty institutions and companies
associated with cocoa production and sales. This
plan will support cocoa-producing families to
develop competitive and sustainable businesses at a
social, economic and environmental level.
The Sibaja Elizondo is an emblematic case of how a
family managed to get out of extreme poverty after
starting as entrepreneurs and today being on the
verge of becoming an export company of cocoa
products.
Mr. Sibaja said that cocoa production was possible
with the support of the government and his efforts
to convert Chocolates Sibaeli into a successful
company that today is their source of income and
sustenance.
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In 2010, this family began to receive support from
the Joint Institute of Social Assistance, first
with training processes, then with a subsidy to
start their company.
In 2016, a loan was approved with which they were
able to buy a cocoa husking machine and an oven.
At present, they sell chocolate products, toasted
grain, and tours on the farm where they grow and
produce cocoa. And in the next few weeks, they
will start exporting their product.
According to Renato Alvarado, Minister of
Agriculture, this strategy it is expected to
increase the area devoted to cacao from 4,000 to
6,000 hectares an increase from 3,000 to 3,500
producing families nationwide.
This is the three main producing areas of the
country that are North Zone, Caribbean Zone, and
Zur Zone.
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Do you
know any cocoa producing family that could be an
example of this national program? We would like to know
your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to:
news@amcostarica.com
*Link to reach the
place.
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