3/7/2024
Cacao and Coffee: The Stars of ExpoMalocas 2024
More than 200,000 people visited ExpoMalocas 2024, characterized by the distinctive flavor, joy, and culture of the Eastern Plains.
Bogotá D. C., (@Minagricultura, @UPRAColombia, @claudialili76). The Unit for Rural Agricultural Planning (UPRA) participated in the most important agro-industrial fair of the Orinoquia: ExpoMaloca 2024, which was held in Villavicencio (Meta). During the event, we presented attendees with the Agricultural Rural Planning Information System (Sipra), the Collaborative Network of Agricultural Infrastructure (Recia), and the recent publications from our extensive library, including the Landscape Letter of Family Agriculture Cocoa from the Acacías Piedmont.
Andrés Pardo, Secretary of Agriculture of the Meta Governorate, highlighted the collaborative alliance with UPRA: "Rural land planning has been somewhat tangential in our country; UPRA has been fundamental for us in the department with its maps, research, and all the tools they have made available to us. They are currently helping us organize our territory in productive and social terms."
One pavilion that captivated attendees' palates was 'Coffee and Cocoa,' dedicated to highlighting the local producers who transform these fruits into a variety of nutritious products. An example is Enith Sanabria Páez from the municipality of Guamal, creator of the Chocolover brand, born from her family's love for cocoa, who received the Excellence Gold Award in 2023. She commented: "Behind this award, there are many stories to tell, full of love, passion, hard work, and rural pride. We are an association that brings together approximately 200 families, 45% of whom are women."
During the four days, the fair — now in its 43rd edition — featured a wide range of musical and cultural programs, a small farmers' market, equine and bovine exhibitions, a horseback ride, an academic agenda focused on the potential of the Orinoquia and techniques for sustainable livestock farming, and a space dedicated to children called 'Malocakids'. Additionally, there were two other pavilions, 'Women's Pavilion' and 'Green Pavilion', which highlighted handicrafts, fashion, and topics such as recycling, regenerative palm cultivation, and community reforestation processes, among others.
