Hacienda Maquencal is the largest cacao farm in the Cesar department, spanning over 900 hectares, 200 of which are protected natural and old-growth secondary forest.

In a region that has been heavily impacted by paramilitary and guerrilla groups and open-pit coal mining, Hacienda Maquencal provides a dignified source of employment in an impoverished region. Fair wages, social security, training and education are ensured for all employees and its families.

The rehabilitation of Hacienda Maquencal with climate-smart practices include the composting of cacao pods to use as fertilizer and soil amendment, the rehabilitation of the irrigation system with the latest drip irrigation technology, the construction of a water reservoir that will ensure sufficient water during unusual drought periods, and the construction of a state-of-the-art post-harvesting center.

Additionally, data collection systems are being implemented to monitor daily crop water and nutrient requirements which allow to reduce fertilizer inputs and the water footprint of the crop.

The new post-harvest facility will ultimately allow a faster and more homogenous fermentation and drying process, substantially improving the quality of the cocoa and allowing for direct off take by international buyers.

FARM FACTS

SIZE: 947 ha

MANPOWER: 206

FARM TYPE: Cocoa

COCOA VARIETIES: CCN51, Iquitos acriollados

REGION: Cesar, Colombia

RAINFALL: 1,543 mm/year

ALTITUDE: 130 masl

SOIL: Alluvial deposits from the Cesar river; sandy loam soils low in organic matter content and slightly acidic

APPROACH: Perennial farming

KEY FARMING PRACTICES:

• Composting

• Precision agriculture

• Habitat protection and riparian restoration