The farmers are in the Sambirano Valley on the Southeast side of the river, heading towards the mountains. The farms we use are spread out and tricky to get to and they are usually a family affair with a few employees. Our cocoa farms have a French legacy as the farmers still use the ancient French bullock carts to transport the just-harvested cocoa pods to the farm fermentary. The shade for our cocoa is provided by enormous 30-metre fast-growing hardwood trees – which are used for shelter and fuel for the region.
The Valley based in the Northwest of Madagascar and is a warm wet microclimate, which is why the cocoa grows so well. Whereas to the Southwest of the island, there is a huge, hot desert, complete with ancient Baobab trees. Both inhabit a diverse plethora of fauna which strive best in the climate they are accustomed to.