Genetic studies have proven, that originally the CACAO CRiOLLO type grew only in México. The wild tree needs well-wooded ecosystems with big shade spending trees. Otherwise the CRiOLLO-trees loose quickly their genetic uniqueness. Because of the extensive deforestation along the Mexican Pacific Coast, the authentic CACAO CRiOLLO is in danger of extinction. CACAOTAL.org has been sarching for the last 10 years for places of origin of CACAO CRiOLLO to secure it's survival. Actually we are supporting rescue projects in 3 different states of México. Our goal is to build stable agroforest systems in which the CACAO CRiOLLO helps small farmers to earn money with fair trade projects in their home regions.
The hybrid tree of CACAO TRiNiTARiO...
CACAO FORASTERO is originally from the Amazon Basin. Is it the most common type which is cultivated nowadays in West Africa and Asia. The CACAO FORASTERO tree is the most robust and is able to grow without the shade of bigger trees around it. Due to this fact this tree is used in monocropping plantations.