$120K Study on Sustainable Farming for Belize’s Cacao Trees

Researchers at the University of Tennessee have received a $120,000 grant to study cacao biodiversity and pollination, focusing on wild cacao trees in Belize, a region renowned for its rare and highly valued fine-flavoured cacao. The project, “Using Genomic Tools to Promote Sustainable Cacao Agroforestry,” is led by graduate student Holly Brabazon, with support from faculty members DeWayne Shoemaker and Meg Staton.

The research will focus on sequencing the genomes of wild cacao trees in Belize. The study aims to explore cacao diversity and the role of pollinators in cacao farms, potentially leading to improved strategies for sustainable farming.

For the next two years, Brabazon and her team will compare genetic diversity and pollinator activity between wild and cultivated cacao trees. Their findings could enhance cacao production while supporting biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is committed to providing real-life solutions through its teaching, research, and outreach initiatives.