While most families were heading to the beach, I convinced mine to join me on a very different kind of adventure — a trip through Chiapas, Mexico to visit cacao, vanilla, and coffee farms, as well as a large-scale plant propagation laboratory. I’ll admit, my expectations weren’t especially high going in since I was joining a group with a set agenda, but the experience ended up being far more inspiring than I anticipated.
Finca Cuatro Hermanos – A Testament to Time and Care
Among the many stops, one visit stood out as truly special: Finca Cuatro Hermanos, a cacao farm that has been using an agroforestry system for over 70 years. The farm has been lovingly maintained across generations and produces exceptional cacao. Walking through those fields was like looking into the future of Finca Chocolat — a powerful validation of the agroforestry approach we’ve committed to. It reaffirmed that we are very much on the right path.
Finca Argovia – Thriving Through Diversification
Another highlight was Finca Argovia, a farm with a history stretching back to the 1880s, founded by German settlers. Originally a coffee estate, Finca Argovia has successfully diversified over the years into vanilla, cut flowers, bamboo, and now cacao.
What inspired me most wasn’t just the beauty of the place, but the philosophy behind it: diversification as both a biological and financial strength. In a world dominated by monocultures, it was refreshing to see a working example of a farm that has not only survived but thrived by evolving with the times. Today, Finca Argovia even hosts a resort in a stunning — though remote — setting, making it an incredible destination for anyone visiting Chiapas.
NSIP – Scaling Propagation for the Future
Our journey also began with a visit to NSIP, a Mexican company specializing in plant propagation at scale. Their laboratory produces tens of millions of plants annually, a level of efficiency and precision that was eye-opening to witness firsthand. It sparked ideas for our future at Finca Chocolat, especially when it comes to selectively propagating cacao genetics to improve yields and resilience.
Taking Lessons Back to Belize
Trips like this remind me of the importance of stepping outside our own operations in Belize and seeing what others are doing — not just to learn what to emulate, but also what not to replicate. From long-term agroforestry success to the power of diversification and innovation in plant science, Chiapas offered lessons that will influence how we continue to shape Finca Chocolat’s future.
Sometimes, the most unexpected journeys turn out to be the most rewarding.