We are proud to announce that ECOSHIFT has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chulalongkorn University’s School of Agricultural Resources Innovation Center for Research and Development of Sustainable Thai Cocoa (ISTC).
About the ISTC
The ISTC, established in 2023 and based in Nan Province, is led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Tansiphorn Na Nan and her team of field researchers. The centre promotes and supports smallholder cacao farmers by developing quality assurance and quality management innovations for cocoa beans and products. In partnership with the Fine Cocoa Chocolate Institute (FCCI), the ISTC is also working on a certification system that meets international standards.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Tansiphorn Na Nan, Head of the “Innovation for Cocoa Value Chain Management in the Cocoa Business Ecosystem, Nan Province” project
About ECOSHIFT
ECOSHIFT is dedicated to rethinking sustainability by combining fair trade advocacy, agritech, and research with practical field operations. Our tech-driven platform adds value for smallholder farmers by providing a responsible, traceable, and EUDR-compliant supply chain management model from the farm gate to the consumer. It proves farms are deforestation-free and comply with European
Union Deforestation Regulations (EUDR), enabling access to the EU market.
Beyond verification and compliance, we offer professional services and innovative agricultural approaches that connect farmers to businesses and other stakeholders.
By improving quality, increasing yields, and ensuring optimal post-harvest processes, ECOSHIFT enables premium cocoa beans that command higher prices, directly benefiting farmers and their communities.
Our founder Linda CHEVRIER with the ISTC team in Nan enjoying local street food. From left to right: Thofan KAKHAM, Linda, Supanida, Prof. Dr. Tansiphorn Na Nan, Naratip TANTER.
Combatting Deforestation in Nan Province
Remote Nan Province, located in upper northern Thailand, is well-suited for agriculture. The Nan River Valley, flanked by rugged mountains to the east and west, enjoys a tropical savanna climate. The warm, dry winters and wet summers support thriving forests that once covered over 60% of the
region.
But these forests are threatened by deforestation due to rampant slash-and-burn corn farming which has deforested over 240,000 hectares. Efforts by the government and NOGs are promoting responsible practices, such as planting perennial crops like cashews and bamboo.
In recent years, a growing number of smallholder farmers have increasingly embraced cacao production, which is more sustainable and well-suited to the region's climate.
A Powerful Collaboration
ECOSHIFT and ISTC will collaborate on the following objectives:
1. Quality Control Protocol
establish quality control checkpoints at various production stages
implement standardized quality assessment criteria for cocoa beans
conduct regular sensory evaluations to ensure consistent flavour and aroma profiles
2. Yield Monitoring Protocol
install data collection systems to monitor yield metrics across different farms
implement regular farm visits and data logging to assess yield performance
analyze data trends to identify factors impacting yield variations
3. Sustainability Assessment Protocol
conduct regular sustainability assessments on farming practices and environmental impact
collaborate with farmers to promote sustainable agricultural techniques
implement impact measurement tools to track the progress of sustainability initiatives
4. Fermentation Process and Monitoring Protocol
conduct test batches using different fermentation techniques.
monitor the temperature, humidity, and duration of fermentation for each batch.
regularly assess the flavour and aroma development during the fermentation process adjust fermentation parameters based on sensory evaluations and desired flavour profiles
This joint initiative marks a significant step towards a brighter future for Thai cocoa.
By creating a network of producers and markets and connecting cocoa businesses, we aim to ensure quality products in the Thai cocoa value chain. Our scientific collaborations promise innovative solutions to industry challenges.
This joint initiative marks a significant step towards a brighter future for Thai cocoa. By creating a network of producers and markets and connecting cocoa businesses, we aim to ensure quality products in the Thai cocoa value chain. Our scientific collaborations promise innovative solutions to industry challenges.
ECOSHIFT produces premium, sustainably grown, and ethical cocoa using a comprehensive model that benefits farmers, chocolatiers, and the environment.
Our first initiative helps farmers capitalize on the unique flavour profiles of Thai cocoa to supply craft chocolate makers with high-quality products.
Support our efforts to build a centralized post-harvesting processing centre HERE.
by Tim Morch, Freelance Writer
Comments