Cocoa Farming Communities – Membership
We are committed to working alongside cocoa farming communities to ensure your voices and expertise are at the forefront of shaping the future of the cocoa industry. Too often, decisions about cocoa are made without directly involving the people who grow it — but your knowledge, experience, and leadership are essential in creating a system that works for farmers.
Meet some of our Friends
We are proud to work in solidarity with inspiring cocoa leaders like David Brecino, Aaron Sylvester, and Bright Debrah Adjei— individuals who embody innovation, resilience, and leadership in cocoa-growing communities. While not all are farmers themselves, each plays a vital role in advancing change and amplifying farmer voices.
David Brecino
Pital, Hulia, Colombia
David is a third-generation cocoa farmer and consultant with deep experience across the cocoa supply chain. He specialises in sustainable production, technical support, and market strategy, working with producers, NGOs, exporters, and chocolate makers. Passionate about amplifying farmers’ voices, David challenges power imbalances and pushes for honest, farmer-led communication. He jokingly refers to himself as the grumpy agronomist.
Aaron Sylvester
Greneda
Aaron Sylvester is the founder and farmer behind Tri-Island Chocolate, a tree-to-bar chocolate maker in Grenada, crafting unique bars and experiences rooted in his family’s cocoa legacy. Inspired by Grenada’s rich cacao and vibrant spices, Aaron creates chocolate that reflects the island’s flavour and culture. As both a chocolate maker and farmer, he champions local agriculture, sustainable practices, and the next generation of cocoa growers.
Ghana
Bright Debrah Adjei is a Ghanaian agricultural professional and founder of ICRAFE, an organisation focused on child rights and women’s empowerment in cocoa-growing communities. Formerly a Sustainability Officer at Ecom Ghana, he works to end child labour and improve education access. Bright advocates for long-term change in the cocoa industry, rooted in dignity, justice, and the voices of those most affected.
You Are the Heart of Chocolate
Your knowledge, skill, and labour make chocolate possible. But for too long, decisions in the industry have been made without your voice. That needs to change. Join the Chocolution to:
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Share your experiences and ideas
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Influence how chocolate is made and sold
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Connect with chocolate lovers, makers, and businesses in the UK
This is a space where your expertise is recognised, your leadership supported, and your voice elevated.
How We Can Walk With You
We are beginning this journey with limited resources — but with deep commitment. We do not see ourselves as saviours. We are here as allies, working in solidarity with cocoa-growing communities.
We can’t promise outcomes, but we can promise honesty, humility, and integrity in everything we do.
Ways we hope to support include:
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Helping share your story with UK audiences — in your own words
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Creating opportunities to connect with chocolate makers and buyers
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Facilitating collaborations with responsible chocolate businesses
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Organising farm visits (virtual or in-person)
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Co-creating educational materials that centre your knowledge
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Advocating for sourcing practices led by grower voices
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Introducing you to UK hospitality businesses interested in direct sourcing
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Showcasing your innovations in sustainability and agroecology
What We Will Not Do
We are committed to rejecting the extractive, tokenistic, and profit-driven models that have harmed cocoa communities for too long. We will not:
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Take your stories or knowledge without consent
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Profit from your labour or ideas
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Speak for you or over you
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Invite participation without ensuring mutual benefit
Instead, we will listen, learn, and walk alongside you — not ahead of you.
Free Membership for Cocoa Farming Communities
Membership will always be free for cocoa farming communities. No one should be asked to pay to be part of a movement that exists to amplify your voice.
This is about solidarity, not profit.
This is about connection, not charity.
This is about a future that includes you — not just your cocoa.
Who We Mean by “Cocoa Farming Communities”
We welcome:
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Individual cocoa farmers
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Farmer-led groups or co-operatives
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Community-led initiatives in cocoa-growing regions
We also welcome projects and organisations genuinely led by people from cocoa-growing regions.
Importantly, decisions about who qualifies will be guided by cocoa farmers themselves — not imposed by us. This helps keep the movement accountable and true to its purpose.