A Tour of Chris Fadriga Cacao Nursery and Plantation, Bago City
Chris Fadriga Cacao Nursery and Plantation, located in Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, is well-regarded for its cacao farming and chocolate-making processes.
The PDS Training Camp in Brgy. Atipuluan, Bago City, Negros Occidental, gives visitors the opportunity to learn about cacao farming, participate in chocolate-making workshops, and taste the plantation’s chocolate made from its cacao beans.
The plantation has earned recognition for its dedication to producing high-quality cacao and commitment to sustainable farming practices. Visitors can gain insight into the history of cacao farming in the Philippines and witness the effort involved in producing top-grade chocolates.
Chris Fadriga: Cacao Enthusiast
Chris Fadriga, a cacao farmer from Negros, is the owner of the Filipino Aromatico Cacao Nursery and Plantation in Bago City. Fadriga is known for cultivating high-quality cacao beans, particularly the rare Criollo variety, which is in high demand among chocolate makers worldwide.
Fadriga’s interest in cacao farming began during his childhood, assisting his father on their family’s cacao farm in the mountains of Negros Occidental. His passion for cacao farming led him to establish the Filipino Aromatico Cacao Nursery and his own plantation in Bago City, where he applied sustainable farming practices to ensure the quality of his cacao beans.
Fadriga’s success has not only brought him personal achievements but has also contributed to the development of the cacao industry in Negros Occidental.
Origins of Filipino Aromatico Cacao
Through his research, Fadriga discovered that the Philippines was the first country to receive heirloom cacao beans from Mexico during the Galleon Trade of the 1500s. Fadriga declared that the criollos were now theirs, protecting them by registering the product with the Intellectual Property Office and naming it Filipino Aromatico.
The heirloom criollos are known for their deep, nutty flavor and distinct aroma. They are naturally sweet, making them an ideal cacao base for health-conscious individuals.
Location and Environment
Chris Fadriga Cacao Nursery and Plantation is nestled in Barangay Atipuluan, Bago City, Negros Occidental, a third-class city known for its agricultural industry and eco-tourism destinations. The nursery enjoys a tropical climate with a mean temperature of 27°C and two distinct seasons.
The nursery’s proximity to major cities and the suitable soil and climate provides an ideal environment for the growth and development of cacao trees. The site’s sustainable farming practices have earned it recognition in the global market.
Cacao Nursery and Plantation
The Chris Fadriga Nursery and Plantation is acclaimed for its heirloom criollo cacao, specializing in growing Filipino AROMATICO (Criollo variety) cacao seedlings. Fadriga emphasizes the correlation between the quality of the seedlings and the resulting cacao. The plantation adheres to sustainable agriculture practices, utilizing organic fertilizers and pesticides to ensure the cacao beans are free from harmful chemicals.
The Cacao Varieties
Fadriga is dedicated to preserving the rich cacao heritage of the Philippines, gathering 16 local cacao varieties from around the country. He is leading the way in reviving the criollo, once a forgotten heirloom variety, encouraging other farmers to recognize the value of these old varieties and protect them.
Quality and Recognition
Chris Fadriga’s cacao nursery and plantation in Bago City is renowned for producing high-quality cacao beans that have been recognized by prestigious organizations such as the International Cocoa Awards and the Cocoa of Excellence Programme.
In 2021, Fadriga’s heirloom criollo cacao won the gold award at the International Cocoa Awards in Paris, France, and was included in the 2021 Cocoa of Excellence list compiled from 235 entries worldwide.
Fadriga’s commitment to producing exceptional cacao has also been recognized locally, receiving the Philippine Cacao Quality Award in 2020.
The Chocolate-Making Process
At Chris Fadriga Cacao Nursery and Plantation, the chocolate-making process is meticulously crafted to produce high-quality artisanal chocolate bars. It involves careful selection of cacao pods, fermentation, drying, roasting, grinding, and tempering, resulting in some of the finest artisanal chocolate bars.
Support and Development
Chris Fadriga Cacao Nursery and Plantation in Bago City has been receiving support from various entities to further develop its operations and expand its reach.
Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo and the Department of Agriculture have been among the supporters of the nursery and plantation, recognizing its contribution to the local economy and providing assistance for its development.
Fadriga has been actively participating in programs and initiatives focusing on technology and innovation in cocoa production and sharing his knowledge with other cocoa producers in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the reviews for Chris Fadriga’s cacao nursery and plantation in Bago City?
Chris Fadriga’s cacao nursery and plantation in Bago City has garnered positive reviews from customers and visitors, recognized as one of the world’s best cacao producers, and winning the Gold Award in the 2021 International Cocoa Awards in Paris.
What is the price range for Chris Fadriga’s cacao nursery and plantation in Bago City?
The price range for Chris Fadriga’s cacao nursery and plantation in Bago City varies depending on the product and service. For more information, interested parties can contact Chris Fadriga directly.
Where is Chris Fadriga’s cacao nursery and plantation located in Bago City?
Chris Fadriga’s cacao nursery and plantation is located in Barangay Atipuluan, Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines.
How can I contact Chris Fadriga’s cacao nursery and plantation in Bago City?
Interested parties can contact Chris Fadriga’s cacao nursery and plantation in Bago City through the following contact information: +63 956 591 9071.
Which farmer from Negros won the Gold Award in Paris for his heirloom cacao?
Chris Fadriga, the chairman of Chris Fadriga Nursery and Plantation, won the Gold Award in the 2021 International Cocoa Awards in Paris for his heirloom criollo grown in Barangay Atipuluan, Bago City in Negros.
What is the current status of cacao production in the Philippines?
The Philippines is currently experiencing a resurgence in cacao production, with more and more farmers turning to cacao as a viable crop. The government has also been actively promoting cacao farming as a means of boosting the country’s agricultural sector. Chris Fadriga’s cacao nursery and plantation is just one example of the many successful cacao farms in the country.