Will Lydgate: Cacao in Hawaii | Ep. 78

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Will Lydgate, owner of Lydgate Farms, shares how Hawaii’s unique climate creates the perfect conditions for growing world-class cacao. He explains the challenges of scaling specialty agriculture, why post-harvest processing is key to flavor, and how eco-tourism sustains his vertically integrated chocolate business. Learn how premium value and regenerative farming intersect. Listen now on all major platforms! Meet the guest: Will Lydgate, owner of Lydgate Farms in Kaua’i, Hawaii, leads a vertically integrated cacao operation producing award-winning chocolate, vanilla, and honey. With roots in a fifth-generation agricultural family, Will holds a background in music and entrepreneurship. Today, he focuses on post-harvest excellence, eco-tourism, and sustainable farming methods in tropical agriculture. What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(03:39) Post-harvest chocolate process(08:13) Hawaiian cacao economics(13:32) Challenges of farm labor(16:45) Specialty crop positioning(21:23) Eco-tourism as revenue(35:30) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.