Bill Overview
Title: Cacao Tree Health Initiative Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes a research and extension grant program for a cacao tree health initiative. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to provide competitive grants for developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests that affect cacao trees; establishing an integrated pest management programs for cacao trees in areas affected by or at risk of being affected by such pests; surveying and collecting data on cacao tree production, health, and markets; investigating cacao tree biology, ecology, genomics, and production systems; conducting research on factors that may contribute to, or be associated with, resilient cacao production systems; and conducting research on factors that may contribute to, or be associated with, serious threats to cacao trees, including the sublethal effects of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides on beneficial insects and cacao tree growth.
Sponsors: Rep. Kahele, Kaiali'i [D-HI-2]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in cacao production and agriculture globally
Estimated Size: 50000
- Cacao trees are primarily grown in a few tropical countries; hence, the primary populations affected are those working in the cacao sector in these countries, notably in West Africa (Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire), Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
- Cacao farming is a significant livelihood source for millions of smallholder farmers globally. Any research that combats threats to cacao tree health potentially impacts their economic well-being.
- The global chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, relies on cacao. Employees and stakeholders in this industry will be indirectly impacted.
- The research may also impact those involved in agricultural sciences and pest management as new methodologies and technologies are developed and shared.
Reasoning
- This policy affects those involved in cacao research, the chocolate industry in the U.S., and consumers. First, agricultural scientists and researchers might see increased opportunities and funds for cacao-related projects due to this policy.
- The chocolate industry stakeholders in the U.S., although indirectly affected, may benefit from stabilized global cacao supply and quality, potentially reflecting in their business performance over time.
- There are no cacao producers in the continental U.S., so the direct impact on agriculture here is minimal, but the industry's sustainability could translate into better job security and business growth.
- Cacao consumer goods companies might experience more stable and potentially lower prices, impacting pricing and consumption patterns for consumers in the U.S.
- Overall, the direct impact on U.S. stakeholders is subtle but significant in specific sectors, particularly research and consumer industries.
Simulated Interviews
Agricultural Scientist (Houston, TX)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy presents a great opportunity for U.S. researchers to contribute to important global agricultural advancements.
- I'm hopeful for collaboration opportunities with international researchers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Chocolate Factory Manager (Hershey, PA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could provide some stability in cacao sources, which is always beneficial for production planning.
- I'm cautiously optimistic about long term impacts on sourcing strategies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Chocolate Brand Owner (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 56 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any initiative that can stabilize or improve cacao supply is of interest to my business.
- Support for cacao farms through research aligns with our ethical sourcing mission.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Consumer (New York, NY)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I doubt this policy would directly influence me, but anything helping farmers and securing chocolate supply sounds good.
- Chocolate pricing and availability haven't felt unstable to me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Policy Advisor in Agriculture (Washington DC)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative should build global competence in cacao health management, indirectly helping U.S. markets reliant on cacao.
- It may influence future U.S. agricultural policy priorities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Supply Chain Analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might ease some supply chain complexities and stabilize pricing.
- It offers a positive outlook for future planning and sourcing strategies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think supporting cacao farming is wonderful but I'm not sure how directly this impacts local products or prices.
- It's good to know research is being conducted for global good.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Economist (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased research funding can stabilize the chocolate market by addressing underlying agricultural issues.
- As an economist, I see great value in global collaboration supported by this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Food Science Professor (Miami, FL)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There are mutual benefits in participating in global research networks made possible by initiatives like this.
- Long-term, it could increase opportunities for U.S. science faculties interested in cacao health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Chocolate Blogger (Boulder, CO)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased cacao health initiatives could spice up industry discourse and provide more content for my blogs.
- I'm excited about potential changes in supplier profiles and market dynamics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $10500000 (Low: $8500000, High: $12500000)
Year 3: $11000000 (Low: $9000000, High: $13000000)
Year 5: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $14000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 100: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Key Considerations
- Cacao trees are critical to the economies of many tropical countries, and threats to these trees can have widespread economic impacts.
- The research may involve international collaboration, which could affect both costs and benefits outside the US.
- While the policy principally supports foreign agriculture, there are indirect US industry benefits, notably in the chocolate sector.