Bahia's family farms gain recognition and launch chocolate factory

The ChocoSol cooperative in southern Bahia has opened Brazil's first school chocolate factory dedicated to the solidary economy. Housed at the University of Santa Cruz campus in Ilhéus, the facility was funded by the state government with over R$500,000 and can process up to 1.2 tonnes of chocolate, adding value to cocoa grown by small‑holder families across the southern coast and neighboring regions.

At the same time, family‑run producers from the state received a top‑three placement in the honey‑quality contest held during the Bahia Farm Show. The Coopamesf cooperative's "Mel do Velho Chico" earned third place, highlighting the growing emphasis on quality and technical support for apiculture among Bahia's small farmers. Both initiatives reflect increased public and institutional backing for family agriculture in the region.