In this interview with CRS, Grimaud explains how he grows fine flavor cacao, raising the plants in nurseries, then transplanting trees on his farm. The trees typically take up to five years to produce cocoa pods. Madagascar is the only African country that has obtained the fine cocoa label. The island-nation recently received gold and bronze medals in the 2021 Cocoa of Excellence for superior flavor. By producing fine-flavor criollo cocoa and spices like black pepper and vanilla, Grimaud is able to support his family and pay for his children's education. Grimaud is one of 2,000 farmers benefiting from the support of the TSIRO alliance. The public-private program supports Malagasy farmers and preserves biodiversity by planting 1.5 million trees and restoring wildlife habitat through the use of mixed agroforestry systems.