CATIE Welcomes International Students Researching Ways to Improve Cacao Quality

• Young scholars from the United States join a scientific collaboration aimed at optimizing fermentation and promoting sustainability in cacao production.

CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) recently welcomed a group of international students participating in a research project focused on improving cacao quality, as part of the NSF-IRES program (International Research Experiences for Students), funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Interns Lillian Blanchard (Louisiana Tech University), Melica Kemanian-Leites (Penn State University), and Leah Letherer (University of Georgia) are collaborating with the National University of Costa Rica, the University of Georgia, the University of Florida, and CATIE. Their research explores cacao fermentation processes using conventional methods, yeast starter cultures, and an innovative real-time data acquisition system.

The aim of this research is to enhance the reproducibility and quality of cacao fermentation, ultimately improving the quality of premium chocolate and creating new opportunities for smallholder producers.

“This project not only contributes to scientific advancement but also makes a real impact on cacao-producing communities,” stated Dr. José Reyes from the University of Florida.

As part of their visit, the students met with CATIE’s Director General, Dr. Luis Pocasangre, to discuss the importance of this international collaboration and the positive impact it could have on the cacao value chain.

In addition, CATIE welcomed, for the first time, a student from the Clinton School of Public Service in Arkansas. Montiel`s Williams joins the team with a keen interest in exploring how agricultural sustainability can be communicated to children through interactive educational activities and guided tours of the campus. He will contribute to this goal by working with CATIE’s Sustainable Academic Farm (FAS).

“Integrating perspectives like Montiel`s, which focus on education and sustainability, is a key step toward achieving more sustainable and equitable food systems,” said Eliecer Vargas of CATIE’s Academic Exchange Unit.

In doing so, CATIE reaffirms its commitment to generating knowledge, training young researchers, and promoting practical solutions for the sustainable development of Latin America and the Caribbean.