"We must improve varieties and multiply them to make them available for farmers at a very large scale."

Polyplants has recently joined the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa (SWISSCO). The company specialises in the large-scale propagation of the best cocoa varieties using state-of-the-art in vitro and horticultural technologies. In the interview below, the company's Chief Executive Officer, Alain Chevée , discusses the importance of enhancing cocoa varieties. The cocoa plants should be able to protect themselves naturally, without the need for chemicals.

Alain Chevée, what do you expect from the membership in the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa ?

We are honoured to be a part of SWISSCO, as it allows us to collaborate with major Swiss players in the cocoa industry and unite our efforts on impactful global projects. The diverse range of skills and experiences within the platform enables each member to contribute significantly to a more efficient cocoa value chain.

Where do you see Polyplants’ greatest potential to contribute to our Roadmap goals of improving sustainability in the cocoa value chain?

Our sustainability objectives align with those of SWISSCO, emphasising our commitment to climate change adaptation by cultivating more efficient plant varieties.

How do you aim to empower farmers through your sustainability objectives?

We empower farmers by multiplying and providing widespread access to the best plants that offer natural disease resistance and higher crop yields, thereby boosting income. Additionally, we contribute to technological progress by investing in local infrastructure and workforce development.

Could you elaborate on the role of advanced plant genetics and enhanced post-harvest techniques in the projects Polyplants aspires to work on?

Specifically, we aspire to work on projects integrating advanced tissue-culture and horticultural processes, and enhanced post-harvest techniques, employing cutting-edge technologies to optimise cocoa production.

Why is focusing on cacao as a plant crucial for improving sustainability in the cocoa value chain?

We recognise the importance of improving the varieties cultivated by farmers. Cacao diseases, particularly the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV), Witches' Broom, and Black Pod, have a significant impact, as evidenced by losses in major production countries. The cocoa plant is the primary entity in charge of producing cocoa beans. If we can select plants through traditional methods that yield better and naturally resist diseases, it would ensure a minimum income for farmers.

This approach would also enable farmers to cease using fungicide treatments, as the plants would be able to protect themselves naturally, without the need for chemicals.

How does Polyplants plan to address the impact of cocoa diseases?

Just as these diseases evolve and adapt, we must continuously work to improve varieties and multiply them to make them available for farmers at a very large scale. This approach, in conjunction with others, embodies the essence of sustainability in its truest form: ensuring that cacao plants, and consequently farmers, are consistently able to produce cacao beans in quantities and qualities that meet global demand, without having to increase the acreage of production through deforestation.