“The cocoa cultivation area in Bahia has expanded significantly, especially in non-traditional regions…”
Moisés Schmidt is a farmer, owner of Schmidt Agrícola, president of the Association of Farmers and Irrigators of the State of Bahia. Schmidt Agrícola recently announced that it will invest US$ 47.29 million to expand cocoa farming in the western region of Bahia.
Moisés Schmidt, owner of Schmidt Agrícola
AgriBrasilis – How did the State of Bahia return to the leadership in cocoa production?
Moisés Schmidt – The cocoa cultivation area in Bahia has expanded significantly, especially in non-traditional regions. This growth, combined with the use of advanced technologies in planting and managing crops, has contributed to increased yields.
In traditional areas, farmers have adopted more efficient management practices, which has also boosted yields. Furthermore, good prices for cocoa in recent years have encouraged new investments in the sector.
AgriBrasilis – Have the problems with the witches’ broom (Moniliophthora perniciosa) disease been controlled?
Moisés Schmidt – In traditional growing regions, it is still necessary to live with the disease. However, the use of appropriate techniques, such as planting under less shade or under full sun and the spraying of specific products to control the fungus, has helped to reduce impacts. In new planting areas in the Cerrado Biome, the disease does not represent a problem, due to the region’s dry climate.
AgriBrasilis – Will the global cocoa demand and prices continue to rise?
Moisés Schmidt – World cocoa consumption continues to grow, which has reduced stocks. Also, the main producing countries are facing economic difficulties and there is no forecast of a significant increase in the supply of cocoa in the short term. In Brazil, farmers have expanded cultivation areas and invested more in crops, seeking to increase yields to take advantage of good market prices.
Currently, demand for cocoa in Asia is growing at over 6.5% per year, while in Europe and the USA this growth is around 3.5% per year. This scenario contrasts with the reduction in global supply, reinforcing that now is the time to invest in production in Brazil. The country stands out for having advanced technologies and a technically prepared farmer to improve production efficiency and meet this growing demand.
AgriBrasilis – Why do you consider that there is “pent-up demand” in the global cocoa market?
Moisés Schmidt – This is because global consumption grows at a faster pace than production. Furthermore, new consumer markets, such as China, have significantly increased demand. However, the expansion of cultivation areas happens more slowly, as it depends on the availability of seedlings, qualified labor and financial resources, as the cost of implementing crops is high.
In the last three years, cocoa production has registered declines, intensifying this scenario of repressed demand. To meet part of this deficit, the industry has diluted cocoa liquor with sugar and palm butter, but this strategy has not been sufficient to meet the market’s real need for quality cocoa. This mismatch reinforces the importance of investments in production, especially in Brazil, which is able to increase supply and meet this growing demand.
AgriBrasilis – Ivory Coast and Ghana have faced challenges due to climate change. How is the climate affecting Brazilian production?
Moisés Schmidt – In the Cerrado Biome, the areas where cocoa grows are largely irrigated, which reduces the impacts of climate variations. In regions such as the south of Bahia and Pará, cultivation occurs under a rainfed regime, but with a good distribution of rainfall throughout the year. However, dry periods can occur and affect yields.
What we have observed is that areas without irrigation or without some water supply are those that suffer most from climate change. On the other hand, new cocoa farming areas in non-traditional regions are already implemented with irrigation systems, allowing them to go through critical periods without significant losses to production.
What is happening today in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Ghana – where productivity has been impacted by the climate – is similar to what is happening in the south of the States of Bahia and Pará, in non-irrigated cocoa areas. This reinforces the need for technologies and adaptation strategies to maintain production at high levels.
AgriBrasilis – What is the level of mechanization and phytosanitary control in western Bahia?
Moisés Schmidt – In western Bahia there is a continuous effort to increase crop mechanization. Machines are already used for planting seedlings and part of the harvest, although fruit removal and pruning are still done manually.
Phytosanitary control is a determining factor for productivity, with the adoption of healthy seedlings produced in local nurseries and the use of pesticides to prevent pests and diseases, ensuring the health of the orchards.
AgriBrasilis – Schmidt Agrícola is investing in the irrigated cocoa/banana consortium. What are the costs and yield gains?
Moisés Schmidt – The intercropping of cocoa with irrigated banana was implemented as a pilot project at Schmidt Agrícola and it has demonstrated advantages, but currently the crops occupy separate areas. When used, the system allows you to optimize costs related to management, pest control, plant nutrition and irrigation maintenance. Furthermore, the consortium can provide greater financial security to the farmer, by generating income from two crops and minimizing risks in the event of market fluctuations.
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