The Agricultural Legacy of Tomé-Açu
Located in the State of Pará, Tomé-Açu is one of the primary regions from which Origin Amazonia sources its cacao. The area's agricultural legacy is deeply intertwined with the history of the Japanese colony that settled there in 1929. These settlers founded the Cooperativa Mista de Tomé-Açu (CAMTA), initially cultivating rice, vegetables, and cacao. However, the challenges of monoculture farming soon became apparent, prompting the community to seek more sustainable agricultural practices.
By the 1970s, Tomé-Açu had emerged as a global pioneer in agroforestry with the creation of the Tomé-açu Agroforestry System (Sistema Agroflorestal de Tomé-Açu, SAFTA).
This innovative model, based on crop diversification and ecological balance, was inspired by the way the locals cultivate their land to guarantee a steady food supply all year long. Most of the current agroforests are 30 to 40 years old now and throughout the years have transformed the region’s economy and landscape.
The Birth of Agroforestry
The Impact of Agroforestry on the Region
The shift from monoculture to agroforestry revitalized degraded areas, increased biodiversity, and created a resilient agricultural system capable of sustaining local livelihoods.
Today, Tomé-Açu stands as a benchmark for sustainable farming, supplying high-quality, agroforestry-derived products to global markets.
Tomé-Açu as a Benchmark for Sustainable Farming
The Role of Cacao and Local Communities
Cacao remains a cornerstone of the local economy, cultivated by family farmers committed to eco-friendly production methods. Through strong partnerships with local producers, Origin Amazonia ensures that the region’s finest ingredients continue to be cultivated with respect for both the land and its people.