New software to support geolocation of cocoa plantations and digitalise the ICS

In autumn 2022, PRONATEC started a pilot project in the Dominican Republic been using web and smartphone-based software that has been tailored specifically to our requirements. This innovative tool allows us to georeference cocoa plantations in line with the EU Deforestation Regulation and digitalise the entire ICS (Internal Control System), which is essential for organic and fair trade certification.

Working in partnership with Hipper Consult, PRONATEC has started developing software that makes it possible to map out cocoa plantations and digitalise certification processes (i.e. the Internal Control System) at the same time. The new “Abunda ICS” app fulfils several different functions. It enables us to comply with the requirements set forth in the EU Deforestation Regulation and digitally map out the entire Internal Control System (ICS), which is essential for organic and fair trade certification.

Software for georeferencing cultivated plots

To comply with the provisions on georeferencing set forth in the EU Deforestation Regulation, each individual smallholder’s cocoa plots will be mapped out meticulously on-site using smartphones. FUNDOPO’s technical consultants, also known as “técnicos”, will carry out this task as part of our pilot project in the Dominican Republic. When used in tandem with a tool such as Global Forest Watch, this geodata provides an accurate image of the deforestation in a specific cocoa-growing area. This also helps to ensure that we can produce an accurate risk analysis and record of the state of deforestation.

Using software to completely digitalise the internal control system (ICS)

Our new software will also document the entire internal control system in digital form, which is essential for organic and fair trade certification.

• Structured data is recorded directly in the app and analysed via an online interface.
  
  
• Overview of inspectors, inspections and certificates
  
  
• Improves the security and quality of data about inspections (location, duration, who conducted it etc.)
  
  
• Real-time collaboration and access to data
  
  

The software was designed and developed for group certifications. No other system that we are aware of provides all of the features we require. The software is suitable for cooperatives of all sizes and includes additional functions such as yield estimates, training modules for smallholders and ICS employees, and product flow procedures. With this new software in place, PRONATEC is ready for the EU Deforestation Regulation to enter into force at the end of 2024.