La Loma, May 21, 2025
As part of its commitment to sustainable development and productive diversification in the department of Cesar, Drummond Ltd., in partnership with SOCODEVI and the Government of Canada, shared the results and impacts of the “Drummond in partnership with Agroemprende Cacao” project, an initiative that has strengthened the agribusiness network in the Serranía del Perijá.
The meeting, held in the municipality of Agustín Codazzi, brought together producers, strategic allies, and local authorities to highlight the progress of an alliance that has benefited hundreds of cocoa-growing families, consolidating the technical, commercial, and organizational strength of the Perijá Cocoa Producers Association (ASOCOPE).
“Not only has it strengthened us socially and in crop intervention, but it has also helped us in all marketing processes, and that has given us significant growth as an association. We have been able to improve quality issues, we have resources for marketing, and we have provided support and technical assistance to all the families involved in the process. Thanks to the support given by Drummond through the project led by Socodevi, we now have resources for marketing, with four micro-processing plants and a collection center,” said Liliana Angulo Barros, legal representative of Asocope.
During the event, the project’s positive impact on the region was evident, highlighting ASOCOPE’s business progress, reflected in the improvement of its administrative, commercial, and financial processes. These advances have allowed us to expand our reach and influence the development of more sustainable, efficient, and competitive production.
“Drummond Ltd.’s mining is designed to generate a positive impact, to work together in an economically diversified region, where we leverage mining as an opportunity to build many more economic activities. We will continue working with you, we will continue working hand in hand with Socodevi and Asocope, because we see that there is a truly positive impact on the region,” said Juan Pablo Arteaga, vice president of sustainability at Drummond Ltd.
One of the most significant achievements was the promotion of female leadership within grassroots organizations, fostering spaces for active participation for women, and promoting gender equality in the agricultural sector.
The agenda highlighted the quality of local produce and included a panel of experiences in which producers shared testimonies about the transformation of their agricultural practices, their business vision, and the project’s impact on their quality of life.
With this partnership, Drummond reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and the comprehensive development of communities, contributing to the construction of a more equitable and resilient future for Cesar.
Testimonials
Testimony of Juan Pablo Arteaga, Vice President of Sustainability at Drummond Ltd.
Testimony of Liliana Angulo Barros, legal representative of ASOCOPE