Access to rural credit is one of the main drivers of the development of Brazilian cocoa farming. Through resources from the Safra Plan, producers invest in crop improvements, expand production and make their properties more efficient and sustainable. This support accompanies a positive moment in Brazilian cocoa farming. Currently, Brazil occupies the seventh position among the main world producers and registered a 9% growth in almond production between 2020 and 2025, reaching an estimated 294 thousand tons, according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Access to credit gains even more relevance in Bahia, a state responsible for approximately 70% of national cocoa production. Cresol, a credit cooperative with more than 1.1 million members, helps producers access lines from the National Program for Strengthening Family Farming (Pronaf) and develop, from funding to investments in property, infrastructure and improvements for different agricultural activities. Cultivating cocoa for family income About six years ago, Tiago dos Santos found cocoa cultivation to be the family's main source of income. A Cresol member and resident of Ituberá (BA), he produces in an area of ??two hectares. According to him, cocoa is the family's main income, which also grows other crops, such as palm hearts and guaraná. “Today, cocoa, from this source of income, we can support our family, improve our family income, expand our home and make the investments that our family needs”, says the farmer. On the property, Tiago and his wife, Sara Lima dos Santos, carry out all stages of cultivation together, from handling to fermentation and drying of the almonds. "Today, in the area, it's me and my wife who work. We can do the cleaning, do the cultural treatments, fertilization, collection and post-collection, which is fermenting the cocoa. Carry out the processes to produce quality cocoa. And it ends up drying on the property, with a small solar dryer." Credit that boosts cultivation With the aim of making cultivation viable and ensuring the productivity of his crops, the Bahian producer accessed the Pronaf funding line through Cresol. This financial resource was essential for the farmer to guarantee the necessary maintenance and care for his cocoa trees. With the credit, Tiago was able to apply two more fertilizers to the cultivation area, causing almond production to increase: it went from 60 to 65 arrobas per hectare to 108 arrobas, a significant increase in production. Added to this, the producer highlighted the close relationship maintained with the cooperative to obtain resources. "Cresol is a very important cooperative, I have been a member for over five years and it is fundamental in helping us access credit. It makes processes more agile", he comments. Special series Safra Plan Since 2003, the Safra Plan has been one of the main tools for encouraging the development of Brazilian agribusiness, with credit lines for funding, investment and modernization of rural properties. Tiago's story follows a special series of reports on the Safra Plan. Cresol presents available financing modalities and shows how producers from different activities use these resources to strengthen their businesses, expand production and invest in the future. The articles will be published on Tuesdays, between the months of June and August. Read more about the Safra Plan: Credit from the Safra Plan transforms mango production in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco Safra Plan strengthens seedling production and boosts reforestation in Santa Catarina About Cresol With 31 years of history, more than 1 million members and 1,050 relationship agencies in Brazil, Cresol is one of the main cooperative financial institutions in the country. Focusing on personalized service, it provides financial solutions for individuals, companies and rural enterprises.