This document summarizes Howard Shapiro's presentation on cacao science, sustainability, and visions for change. Some key points: - Cacao yields globally average only 450 kg/ha, but with improved planting material, fertilizer, and pest control, yields could potentially increase over 3x to 1500 kg/ha. - Mars sequenced the cacao genome in 2008-2010 and made it publicly available to accelerate breeding of higher-yielding, resilient varieties. Genetic resistance to diseases like witch's broom has also been identified. - The Visions for Change initiative aims to empower farmers through a productivity package including improved planting material, cacao-specific fertilizer, and rural financing to re
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