2020 Partner Report

ÖKO Caribe
Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has struggled with higher COVID-19 infection rates than the neighboring country of Haiti. However, the drought impacted cacao farmers as much as it did Haiti with production reduced by 20% from the previous year. On top of that, after almost two years of strong production the trees are taking a break, and though the rains have returned, the production levels are low for the current mid-crop.

Our good friends at ÖKO Caribe, Adriano and Gualberto, have experienced a drop in demand for organic cacao due to pandemic-induced economic pressures on buyers. Much of their time has been spent connecting with the farmer community to provide support, market updates, and to prepare for the coming harvest period.

Visiting ÖKO Caribe

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, our last in-person visit to ÖKO Caribe was in 2019.

*Price based on FOB terms and equal to the negotiated fixed price or to the negotiated premium plus the world market price on the day the contract is closed

**Price the individual farmer receives for their cacao prior to its further processing, packing and export. Taza's 2016 Transparency Report, "Let's Talk Price" provides an in-depth exploration of the topic

*** Wages are paid in local currency and are translated into USD, but are not adjusted for purchasing power or a country's cost of living. Where a range is given, wages vary based on type of work and skill and experience level. In all cases, our Partners pay employees at or above their country's minimum wage