00:00Our correspondent, Álvaro Fragua, continues his journey across Venezuela.
00:05Today, he brings us the story of the community of Yaguapita in Miranda State,
00:10specialized in the cultivation and production of cacao.
00:13It's a clear example of how social production units drive economic growth
00:17while supporting each other along the way.
00:21In the fertile lands of Miranda State, cacao is grown through community teamwork
00:25and with support from national and international programs aimed at pushing production.
00:29Local farmers have joined forces to improve bean quality and open up new markets.
00:34We have a nursery that spans 800 square meters.
00:37It was created through a partnership between Venezuela and Turkey.
00:40Here, in Yaguapita, our community was chosen as a pilot site by the Etika Agency,
00:45working together with the Socialist Corporation of Venezuelan Cacao.
00:50Once harvested and dried, women in households transformed cacao beans into delicacies ready to enjoy.
00:55They craft additional chocolates using family recipes blending coconut nuts and pure cacao.
01:00Then we pour the chocolate mix and add the filling.
01:05Some are made with coconut, others with pineapple, peanuts or a certain nuts.
01:12After that, we place them in the refrigerator and they're ready.
01:16The work around cacao generates not only income but also knowledge.
01:22Neighbors share workshops and training to strengthen their cooperatives
01:25and prepare new generations of chocolate makers.
01:28It all started through my sister, who was also interested in the craft.
01:32She took a course, learned the process and then taught me.
01:36That's how we began, and here we are today.
01:39Producers take advantage of every part of the fruit, shell, pulp and husk,
01:43showing that cacao also represents a model for sustainable production.
01:47From cacao, we can truly make use of everything.
01:52The pulp shell can be used to make shakes, the cacao pulp to prepare drinks,
01:57and the husk becomes cacao-cheek.
01:59But climate change and weather scarcity threaten these crops.
02:03Farmers warn that local streams are drying up and the plants are suffering as a result.
02:08Right now, our biggest challenge as cacao producers is climate change,
02:14because water levels are far too low.
02:16Streams and creeks are unusually dry for this time of the year, especially in October.
02:22Despite obstacles and the United States' blockade,
02:25Venezuelan cacao exports rose by 10% in the first half of 2025,
02:29compared to the last year, a source of pride and satisfaction to all involved.
02:34Of course, there's an enormous sense of satisfaction,
02:38and that goes beyond earnings, beyond the money.
02:41That's the feeling of fulfillment, something that truly fills us as human beings.
02:47Miranda's cacao is much more than an export product.
02:51It is a testament to a people's belief in a community work, solidarity and their own strength.
02:56A millionaire tradition woven through countless life stories.
03:00We invite you to write to us on social media as seen on screen and share your story.
03:05Esto es Venezuela Movimiento y yo soy Álvaro Fragua y nos despedimos hasta la próxima.
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