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Do you have questions about the impact of cocoa tree breeding and genetics on yields and flavor?

Are you interested to understand how researchers define the terms that guide our knowledge of cocoa breeding?

Then join us for this debate-style webinar among leading cocoa biotechnologists and plant scientists.

The webinar will be moderated by Dr. Kristy Leissle with a panel of cocoa tree breeding experts:

• Dr. Mark Guiltinan: Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Professor of Horticultural Botany and Plant Molecular Biology
• Dr.Pathmanathan Umaharan: Cocoa Research Centre—The University of the West Indies, Director & Professor of Genetics
• Virginie Mfegue: Rainforest Alliance, Public Affairs & Advocacy Lead West Africa
• Jacob Marlin: BFREE Belize, Executive Director
• Lyndel Meinhardt: USDA Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory, Research Leader

These experts will engage in live debate over the meanings of the terms GMO cocoa/cacao, hybrid cocoa/cacao, and cocoa/cacao genetics. In doing so, they will model the type of professional debate and meaning-generation that the FCIA is incorporating into the soon-to-be-launched Fine Chocolate Glossary.
 
After our panelists reach their consensus (or not!) on the meanings of these important terms, audience members will have a chance to ask some of the world’s leading experts on cocoa tree breeding their questions about impact on yields and flavor.
 
FCIA members, we hope you will join us for this exciting event!

Please submit questions for presenters to Dr. Kristy Leissle kristy.leissle@gmail.com with Cocoa Tree Breeding Question in the subject line.