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Before she turned 10 years old, she already knew all about zucchini, white eggplant, garlic scapes, heirloom tomatoes, how to tell basil vs. mint vs. oregano, when to plant garlic, and what to pair lavender honey with. My daughter Anna just turned 20-years old in September 2024 and is pursuing a college major in Economics and minor in Sustainability. She also just finished a summer of 70 hour workweeks and an amazing internship with Moka Origins.

Our very first podcast episode was with one of the founders of Moka Origins, Jeff Abella. Moka Origins is working to make cacao and coffee a sustainable source of income for farmers around the world. 165 million people depend on cacao or coffee for their livelihood, however many aren’t paid a living wage and are stuck in poverty. To end this poverty cycle, Moka Origins pays more to farmers for their beans which they use to craft healthier, better tasting chocolate and coffee.

Moka offers Origin Adventures…incredible adventures to connect people with their global cacao and coffee sourcing partners. My daughter Anna had the opportunity to spend a week at the Moka Origins headquarters in Honesdale, PA and to participate in their Origin Adventure in Mexico. In our podcast episode with Jeff Abella, we took a deep dive into all his current origin adventures, but Anna took us a bit deeper and we explored details about her personal experiences on her trip to Mexico.

Hearing about this trip through the eyes and inspiration of a 20-year old, is a unique perspective and one that I truly enjoyed. I am really excited for everyone to virtually meet my daughter Anna and very humbled to have the opportunity to interview her so early in her career journey. Maybe one day when she has advanced in her career path, she will reflect fondly on this interview. Enjoy my conversation with Anna Morrongiello.

Cocoa Economy - Crisis or Opportunity?
Moka Origin Mexico Adventure Trip
Riding the Donkey to the Organic Cacao Farm in DR
Women Chocolate Makers Breaking Boundaries in DR
Agri-Tourist Podcast Episode 1 - Jeff Abella, Moka Origins

The Global Agritourism Network (GAN) was created to support agritourism worldwide through education, research, and advocacy. Everyone with an interest in agritourism is welcome to join for free by completing the form online at Global Agritourism Network (GAN) Registration (google.com).

Thank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.

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