Typhoons and Cacao Trees

Did you know Taiwan has a typhoon season?

Last year, we saw how intense it can be. The 2024 season was one of the most extreme in recent memory - Typhoon Gaemi (凱米) in July, Typhoon Krathon (山陀兒) in October, and Typhoon Kong-Rey (康芮) later that month didn't just damage farms. They brought rain, flooding, and landslides, leading to devastating losses across the island.

During a visit to Pingtung, Taiwan, we spoke with cacao farmers about how they prepare for and recover from these storms. Each farm had its own way of adapting - some with tools, others with trust in nature. Here is what we learned:

 

Farm #1

• Prunes cacao tree leaves before a typhoon to reduce weight
• Ties trees to nearby betel nut trees with ropes in four directions for support

 

 

Farm #2

• Uses a metal support structure around the trees (not fixed into the ground) for added stability
• Keeps trees under 4 meters tall to reduce wind resistance

 

Farm #3 Meya Farm 梅雅農場

• Lets nature takes its course - trees are left to face the storm
• Broken or slanted branches are left to heal naturally
• Believes that through natural selection, only the strongest trees will remain and thrive

 

Seeing this firsthand deepened our respect for the strength and resilience of Taiwan's cacao farmers. The way they face uncertainty - with grit, wisdom, and heart - is something we will never forget!