The oil boom that rushed off many young Venezuelans out of the countryside and led them to the cities began to be reversed thanks to the sociological phenomenon known as urban exodus, increased either by the economic crisis, unemployment or the search for a new lifestyle, away from pollution, heavy traffic and worries. Jean Carlos Pinto, owner of the cocoa farm “Los Tulipán” in Mérida state, is the current portrait of this migratory movement that has tended to increase throughout Venezuela.

Despite he was not born in the countryside, this young Marabino confesses his passion for nature, thanks to the beauty and serenity of landscapes that captive him. His involvement in the cocoa business was thanks to his friendship with the President of Chococao, Armando Parra, who nowadays has the most important cocoa collection centre in South Lake, as well as a consulting team for cocoa entrepreneurs.

“A year and a half ago Armando invited me to visit Chococao facilities and from then on I was delighted with the goodness of this seed. Just then I thought: This is where I’m going to invest. Because, apart from being a noble crop, if you work it with effort, perseverance and dedication, its economic reward will allow you to improve your quality of life, “he points out.

Three months passed by from that vision until the concretion of the idea, in which Pinto took the task of finding an estate with developed plantations. Exactly one year ago, he found the proper place, today named farm “Los Tulipán”, with an area of 23 hectares planted with various types of cocoa, as well as other food products for his personal consumption.

“When I found this farm I fell in love with it. Although it was not in optimal conditions, my vision to recover it made me work with much more effort and dedication. At first it was a little difficult to leave my family, my friends and my city environment, but the effort has been worthy, because today I already have 19,000 plantations, “he says.

For Jean Carlos, the field represents quality of life and sustainable development
For Jean Carlos, the field represents quality of life and sustainable development

A workday

Many of the young people who have decided to migrate from the city to the countryside have done it more by obligation rather than conviction. In Jean Carlos Pinto’s case, his passion for the seed led him to acquire a cocoa farm with the aim of growing his plantation and subsequently selling of the product. Although he is not moved permanently to the farm, he spends more time in it than in his own house in Maracaibo.

“Since I purchased the property I spent more time here than in the city. At harvest time my working day starts at 8:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon, just like an office schedule from Monday to Friday. Sometimes 12 hours in a row and, no, I do not get bored at all because there is always something new to do to the trees. They, as living beings, tell you what they need every day and you must provide them if you want to see them happy, slender and healthy. You learn to listen to cocoa and give it what it needs “he says.

For this young graduate in Industrial Relations, the field represents quality of life and sustainable development, two important elements that, when merged with cocoa, yield incredible results at a social, economic and even tourist level. Resuming the land and returning it to work, not only seek to ensure food for the future, but also generates workforce for communities, floods new experiences to young and no so young people, and gives added value to the seed coveted in the international markets.

“And that is possible thanks to the joint work. For me the workforce from my workers is very important, because thanks to their perseverance and dedication we have been able to reach the established goals. Not valuing their work it’s like not having a farm, “Pinto remarks.

Cacao Sur del Lago, one of the best
Cacao Sur del Lago, one of the best

The field urges

Behind the impetus and prominence that is being given to cocoa produced in South Lake are the young producers who make their living in this region, who are demonstrating that it is possible to develop successful and sustainable businesses while away from the cities.

Jean Carlos and Bethziel
Jean Carlos and Bethziel

Jean Carlos Pinto has been a perfect portrait of this, who considers that “all that love you give to cocoa, it rewards you by far” He points out that “the field is urging and there is no doubt that many young people are becoming aware of it in other parts of Venezuela. We are doing it here, in South Lake. We are investing and doing very well, and are doing it not only for profit, but also with the commitment to continue positioning the seed as one of the best in the world”. On this journey he is accompanied by his wife, Bethziel, who despite the sudden change that going into the countryside has meant, hopes to help her husband to fulfil his dream and become part of it.

Like Jean Carlos, there are many Venezuelans who are building a country by doing their parts or with cocoa beans, being an irrefutable proof that in order to fulfil our dreams, it is necessary to have some sacrifices that, in the end, strengthen the human being. Whatever the activity they are doing, we are sure from Vivaelcacao.com that if they do it with affection, effort, continuity and patience, in a short time they will be able to reap the deserved rewards.