CT-AF-003 — Cacao Agroforestry Systems

Description

Covers cacao production systems integrated with native tree canopy and diverse shade species, combining agricultural output with carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. Cacao agroforestry is a high-priority AFOLU intervention in LATAM, particularly in post-conflict regions where it replaces illicit crops.

Colombia Context

Colombia has prioritized cacao agroforestry as both a post-conflict crop substitution strategy (PNIS program) and a climate mitigation pathway. The TVC classifies sistemas agroforestales de cacao as an eligible green activity under the agropecuario sector, requiring minimum shade cover percentages and native species integration. The NDC 2030 includes cacao agroforestry within both agropecuario emissions reduction and AFOLU land-use change targets. Departments like Santander, Arauca, and Tumaco host the largest cacao-producing areas, many overlapping with PDET territories where CLP and REIN Hub have field presence. Ley 2169 Art. 21 enables incentive mechanisms for cacao producers adopting certified agroforestry practices.

EUDR Relevance

Cacao is an EUDR-regulated commodity. Producers and traders must demonstrate deforestation-free status since December 31, 2020, with plot-level geolocation per Article 9. Colombia's cacao exports to the EU are growing, and compliance readiness is critical for maintaining market access, particularly for fine-flavor cacao origins in Santander and Tumaco.

CTH Data Coverage

One CLP cohort startup focuses on satellite-based monitoring of cacao agroforestry canopy cover, providing MRV data for both carbon credit verification and EUDR compliance. REIN Hub field presence in PDET regions generates ground-truth data on cacao-forest integration practices.

Green Finance Alignment

Fully aligned with TVC agropecuario criteria for agroforestry systems. CBI eligibility under both Agriculture and Forestry criteria when deforestation-free documentation is provided. CPI tracks under AFOLU agroforestry. Strong alignment with Colombia's green bond framework for rural landscape restoration.

{
  "origo_id": "CT-AF-003",
  "origo_label": "Cacao Agroforestry Systems",
  "sector": "AF",
  "source": "origo",
  "eudr_coffee": "N",
  "eudr_cacao": "Y",
  "col_gf_aligned": "Y",
  "col_ndc2030_aligned": "Y",
  "cth_data_coverage": "Y",
  "schema_version": "1.1",
  "last_updated": "2026-05-27"
}