World Cocoa Foundation Announces Expansion of Cocoa Research Fellowship Program for International Scientists

USA - English

• India - English

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) announced today the expansion of the Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program Global Cocoa Initiative to include five additional cocoa research scientists.

Since the start of the WCF and U.S. Department of Agriculture/ Foreign Agricultural Service's Cocoa Borlaug Fellowship Program in 2007, 34 cocoa scientists have received training on research methodologies or techniques addressing pests, disease and soil fertility that can be applied to ongoing research in their home countries.

The fellowships, which last approximately three months, provide scientists with skills and knowledge to help their countries become more competitive in producing and exporting cocoa and cocoa products. Fellows will work with a mentor at a U.S. university, research center or government agency. The U.S. mentor will later visit the fellow's home institution to continue collaboration.

The additional funding provided by the USDA/ FAS has also made it possible for this program – which focuses on factors known to affect cocoa production, including swollen shoot virus, black pod and shade management/intercropping -- to continue into 2017; extended from its original 2016 end date.  

This expansion allows five fellows to be chosen from Asia (India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and/or Vietnam) and the Americas (Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic and/or Trinidad & Tobago). 2014 also marks the first where scientists from India, Central America, and Mexico will be able to apply for this fellowship.  

In addition to the fellowship, a workshop will be held in Southeast Asia for active alumni from the region. The workshop will include presentations on alumni research, meetings with industry members and other stakeholders; and visits to research centers, projects, and industry facilities.

Cocoa scientists who want to apply for the Cocoa Borlaug Fellowship Program can visit http://www.fas.usda.gov/newsroom/accepting-applications-2015-borlaug-cocoa-fellowships-asia-latin-america-and-caribbean.

About WCF: The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) is an international membership foundation of more than 115 members that promotes a sustainable cocoa economy by providing cocoa farmers with the tools they need to grow more and better cocoa, market it successfully, and make greater profits. WCF's membership includes cocoa and chocolate manufacturers, processors, supply chain managers, and other companies worldwide, representing more than 80 percent of the global cocoa market.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/world-cocoa-foundation-announces-expansion-of-cocoa-research-fellowship-program-for-international-scientists-236199918.html

SOURCE World Cocoa Foundation