FARMD (March 26, 2014) | Global demand for cocoa is growing and this is seen as good news for thousands of small farmers throughout Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The region expanded its share of world cocoa production in recent years, reaching an estimated 15.7 percent in 2012-2013. However, there are significant challenges associated with the management of agricultural risks in cocoa production and marketing, including the incidence of pests and diseases, price volatility, and climate variability, among others. These growing challenges and risks must be effectively addressed to ensure that the sub-sector can effectively generate prosperity for thousands of farming families in the region.