Posted: September 26, 2017

Join Research Unplugged for stimulating conversation and free refreshments on Thursday, October 5th, 12:30-1:30 pm in the Downsbrough Community Room at Schlow Centre Region Library (corner of Beaver Avenue and Allen Street) in downtown State College.

Dr. Mark Guiltinan and Dr. Siela Maximova from the College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Plant Science will present: Cacao for Peace: Can the Chocolate Tree Bring Peace to Colombia?

The cacao tree provides income to millions of farmers in developing countries and supplies the raw ingredient for making chocolate. As part of a USAID and USDA project seeking to provide farmers with knowledge and skills to increase cacao production levels, Dr. Guiltinan and Dr. Maximova will share stories of their interactions with the local indigenous populations living in northern Colombia and how cacao farming is impacting their lives.

Research Unplugged is presented in collaboration with Penn State's Office of Government & Community Relations and Schlow Centre Region Library.