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Did you know most chocolate / cacao is synonymous with deforestation?!
Being custodians of the Earth is a commitment we take very seriously here at Sacred Earth Medicine. It informs the decisions we make in our business, from the smallest to the most grandiose. Especially when it comes to supporting green farming practises that nurture and give back to the environment, rather than harm it.
It's time we showcase the sustainable, clean, and green practices behind Sacred Earth Medicine. Our unique farming traditions distinguish us from the conventional cacao industry. You can rest assured knowing you are choosing a truly Green Cacao!
But before we get into how great we think we are, let’s digress, devolve and degrade to cover what conventional farming is doing. This will give you a better perspective on why it’s so important you choose a green cacao like SEM.
Deforestation is the purposeful clearing of forested land. Throughout history and into modern times, forests have been razed to make space for agriculture and animal grazing, and to obtain wood for fuel, manufacturing, and construction. Deforestation has greatly altered landscapes around the world. (1)
And unfortunately- The cacao industry is a major driver of deforestation, loss of critical wildlife habitat, and human rights abuses around the world — particularly in West Africa — but also in Latin America and Southeast Asia. (2)
Sharon Terenzi, AKA The Chocolate Journalist, researched extensively on how cacao farming is causing deforestation (3). Her work spells out clearly why large-scale cacao plantations are not viable. Especially for those of us committed to being custodians living in reverence and reciprocity with the Earth.
In summary:
Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems, and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic blends tradition, innovation, and science to benefit the shared environment. It also promotes fair relationships and good quality of life for all involved. (4)
The benefits of Green Farming practices include:
The main differences are in the approach and principles used. Primarily in relation to how the cacao is cultivated, methods to ease disease and control pests, and the use of synthetic fertilisers.
If we look at cultivation, organic practice focuses on incorporating natural, non-synthetic and non GMO fertilisers. Compost and manure are used instead of chemical pesticides. Such environmental toxins can pollute the water and soil, plus harm local flora and fauna.
Avoiding soil depletion and promoting soil health is also paramount. Crop rotation being incorporated instead of monocropping - which can cause soil degradation and fertility loss. Rotation enhances crop diversity and resilience.
When it comes to pest control and plant disease, organic practice again relies on a natural approach. Plant-based pesticides and insecticides are favoured (if used at all) as well as introduction of helpful insects to control pests. By focusing on soil health and biodiversity, the results are healthier cacao yield that can also ward off disease and pests. (6)
The Sacred Earth Medicine farms take a biodynamic approach to farming, which means they treat the entire farm as a living organism. Biodynamic farming is based on the Organic approach but it really takes farming to the next level. Everything done on the family-run farm is interconnected. From the way the farmers nurture the soil to how they harvest the cacao. Not only does this practice ensure that our cacao is healthy for the land, but also for the people and ecosystems around it. Plus, it helps us keep the integrity and high vibration of the cacao.
Unlike conventional farms that rely on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, our biodynamic methods keep the soil naturally fertile and full of life. Rather than strip the land of its natural richness; instead, we enhance its vitality, allowing the land to regenerate and thrive.
SEM is super excited to be in the process of incorporating syntropic farming models, and to be at the forefront of this cutting-edge approach that mimics natural ecosystems. Syntropic farming promotes biodiversity, planting a variety of crops together in harmony. This creates a self-sustaining system where plants support each other, pests are naturally controlled, the soil is replenished and kept at a neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Unlike monoculture practices that deplete the soil and require constant chemical input, syntropic farming allows us to grow our cacao in a way that preserves and enhances the surrounding environment.
We take pride in the fact that our farm does not contribute to the widespread deforestation, or harmful slash and burn techniques that are unfortunately common in the cacao industry. Instead of clearing vast areas of rainforest to plant cacao, we work with the existing landscape. Our cacao trees thrive in the shade of other plants, supporting the local biodiversity rather than displacing it. This is a far cry from the destructive farming practices that are depleting rainforests and harming ecosystems worldwide.
A core value at Sacred Earth Medicine is our commitment to the people who make it all possible - our farmers – for they truly are the heart of everything we do! Unlike large-scale operations that exploit their workers, paying them below market rates, we ensure that our farmers are compensated fairly and well above the market standard. By paying our farmers generously, we empower them to invest in sustainable farming practices, support their families, and ensure the long-term health of the land. This approach creates a virtuous cycle where both the land and the people who care for it can thrive.
At Sacred Earth Medicine, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of all we do. From our commitment to biodynamic farming, converting to syntropic practices, to our ethical treatment of the farmers we love; we are dedicated to producing the purest Ceremonial Cacao that respects both people and the planet!
When you choose SEM Ceremonial Cacao, you’re not just getting a delicious, high vibe cacao product—you’re supporting a sustainable, eco-friendly, and ethical farming model that’s paving the way for a greener future in the cacao industry.
By being green and clean, we hope to inspire others in the industry to follow suit, leading to a world where cacao can be cultivated without harming the environment or the people involved in its production.
We invite you to enjoy our Ceremonial Cacao with the knowledge that every sip or ceremony supports a healthier planet and better livelihoods for farmers. Let’s work together to change the way cacao is grown—sustainably, ethically, and with love for the Earth!
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