COLCO — COLombian Cocoa control system

Introduction to COLCO

The COLombian COcoa control system project (COLCO) aims to optimise cacao (cocoa) production and quality in Colombia. Colombia, a potentially significant producer of fine cocoa, wishes to foster agro-sustainability and socioeconomic equality, particularly for growers. Cocoa requires a clear strategy for production, quality assurance and monitoring for traceability. A successful project implies growth potential, revitalising post-conflict regions.

By demonstrating satellite, IoT, manufacturing and IT solutions, COLCO will develop an ecosystem between Colombian and UK organisations to improve the quality, yield and management of the Colombian cocoa value chain. Colombian private sector, government and research partners will develop impact through innovative solutions that will help optimise farm productivity, quality control, and industrial productivity. The project will be managed by research and technology organisations from the UK, and will also engage other UK based businesses and institutions.

Summary of Activities and Outputs

COLCO will deliver a data repository with production and post-harvesting process information, business forum, bean quality assessment tool, pest and disease management capabilities, yield prediction service, fermentation and drying monitoring technology, and a framework to develop integrated production and post-harvesting technologies.
COLCO will build in-country capacity in precision agriculture, in the prepare-to-dispatch process and in general farming practices. All developments will be transferred to stakeholders in Colombia. Business-to-business links, workshops, exhibitions and farmer meetings will also be a significant part of COLCO.
COLCO will address two phases of the Colombian cocoa value chain:
• Production, when cacao trees are in their main productive phase;
• Post-harvesting, when cacao is fermented, dried, and quality assessed for trade.
Cacao volume is determined in the production phase, while quality is shaped post harvesting. COLCO will validate improvements during commercialisation.

Summary of Envisaged Impacts

COLCO's intended beneficiaries are cacao producers. COLCO will promote prosperity, resilience, enhanced agricultural job opportunities, competitiveness, export growth, land productivity and quality control, and industrial productivity across the supply chain.

COLCO will increase agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers and will implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production. It will reduce food losses along production and supply chains.