Climate change, pests and diseases, unimproved planting material and growing consumer markets especially in Asia, present major challenges to sustainable cacao production. World plant biologists are developing and applying new integrative approaches to address these challenges.

This symposium, “Frontiers in Science and Technology for Cacao Quality, Productivity, and Sustainability”, will bring together scientists working at various levels to develop solutions for cacao agricultural systems of the future.

The symposium will take place from May 31st to June 2nd at the Penn State University campus, the home of the Penn State Endowed Program in the Molecular Biology of Cacao and will concur with celebration of the 30th anniversary of the formation of the endowment. 

Two days of scientific presentations and discussion by the international cacao scientific community will focus on topics of genetic improvement, agricultural practices and post-harvest methods that together lead to enhanced production and quality of cocoa and contribute to the overall goal of a sustainable cocoa supply chain future. The symposium will also include poster sessions, tours of Penn State research facilities and a post-conference tour of Amish country including visits to local, artisanal farms.

To foster attendee interaction, facilitated discussions will explore how to translate genomics research to accelerated breeding and what are the traits needed for the cacao of the future. Invited keynote speakers and speakers selected from poster abstract submissions will be included in the program. The symposium will also include poster sessions, tours of Penn State research facilities, a Gala/dinner and a post-conference tour of local farms including visits to local Amish and artisanal farms. 

The commemoration of the 30th anniversary and the history and impact the Penn State Endowed Program in the Molecular Biology of Cacao will include a special session during the first day of the symposium and a Conference Gala at the Penn State Arboretum.

Who should attend?

This conference welcomes all members of the cacao scientific research community and other scientists interested in learning and getting involved in cacao research. We also welcome any other participants interested in the science behind building a sustainable cocoa future! Stakeholders from Industry, NGO and governmental organizations with an eye towards the role of cacao in sustainable development are encouraged to attend. Multiple opportunities will be provided for networking across this diverse set of attendees.

Click here to learn more and register .