Ugandan Cocoa in Focus — Field Insights from Two Weeks on the Ground
Tree2Bar has been working with a community‑focused nonprofit in central Uganda, supporting a small group of cocoa farmers who are looking to expand cocoa cultivation as a pathway to improved incomes and more resilient livelihoods.
We’ve just returned from two weeks on the ground, meeting with farmers, local buyers, processors, and both governmental and non‑governmental agricultural support organisations. Our aim was simple: to understand their realities and provide practical, actionable support that strengthens production systems and unlocks higher value for farmers.
🎥 Watch the video above for a few highlights from the trip
Our field work included:
✅ Sustainable agronomy - Guiding farmers on the benefits of intercropping, agroforestry and regenerative agriculture practices to support sustainable expansion
✅ Post-harvest & sensory training - Delivering technical and chocolate sensory training - using bean‑to‑bar chocolates we processed from their own beans - to illustrate how fermentation and drying impact cocoa flavour and overall quality.
✅ Quality improvement - Assessing their current (unfermented) cocoa quality and offering clear, simple steps to significantly improve fermentation and drying, while reducing food safety and compliance risks (eg: mycotoxins, pesticide residues, mineral oils).
✅ EUDR readiness - Raising awareness of incoming EUDR requirements and the implications for planned planting areas
✅ Technical support networks - Connecting farmers with national agricultural institutions and extension service providers for additional support
✅ Market access - Engaging with local buyers and processors to strengthen market access and help farmers secure better prices for higher‑quality cocoa
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