Mitigating cadmium uptake in cacao in Latin America

Project snapshot

Region: Ecuador, Trinidad & Tobago

Dates: July 2022 – January 2025

Partners: EKOS Brazil,

Funding sources: FAO

The NICOLE Foundation worked with regional partners to protect cacao exports threatened by cadmium contamination, developing practical guidance and building farmer knowledge through training.

Why this work matters

Following new EU legislation limiting cadmium in chocolate and cacao powder, exports from Ecuador and Trinidad & Tobago were at risk. Without action, small farmers could lose access to critical markets and their livelihoods.

Cadmium uptake in cacao trees is influenced by soil conditions, particularly in young acidic soils. Addressing this issue required a holistic approach to risk assessment and remediation, tailored to local contexts and smallholder realities.

Our approach

Activities delivered

• Drafted a guidance document to investigate sources of cadmium uptake at the river basin scale, using a conceptual site model.

• Taught principles of risk assessment and remediation techniques during a two-day workshop.

Technical methodologies

• Analysis of existing data.

• On-site assessment in Trinidad & Tobago.

Results and impact

Key achievements

• Improved understanding of cadmium behaviour in young acidic soils.

• Introduced a holistic approach to managing crop contamination risks.

Challenges

• Complex soil conditions meant no single solution could be applied across all farms.

Lessons learned

• For small farmers, solutions must be simple, affordable, and, where needed, alternative crops should be considered.

Closing statement

This project strengthened scientific understanding and provided actionable guidance to protect farmer livelihoods and secure sustainable cacao exports.

The NICOLE Foundation welcomes collaboration with partners and funders to advance projects like these.

Supported Sustainability Goals (SDGs)