WILLAGRI
Grafting can increase cocoa yields while avoiding the expansion of agricultural production areas into tropical forests. This technique consists of grafting productive varieties onto adult cocoa trees, which makes it possible to rejuvenate the plantations without cutting down old trees or encroaching on biodiversity. A study conducted by the universities of Göttingen and Würzburg, in collaboration with Peruvian farmers, showed a 45% increase in yields in just two years thanks to grafting. Arthropods, such as spiders and insects, quickly adapted to this method, although predator populations initially declined before recovering within six months, favoring pest control.
Global food trade is threatened by the tariff war initiated by US President Donald Trump. Tariffs on key products such as coffee, cocoa and wine disrupt trade flows and increase costs, impacting producers, consumers and businesses. Countermeasures from China and other countries are exacerbating these tensions, while some producers are looking to take advantage of the opportunities created by changes in trade flows. U.S. farmers are also affected by lower wholesale prices and a loss of market share to international competitors.
Source : Rural 21