On October 4th, IKEA Co-workers were buzzing with excitement at Agridesa’s sustainable farm in Bali for the Front-Day Sustainability program. It was a hands-on experience where IKEA Co-workers got to discover the world of social enterprises and witness Agridesa’s game-changing approach to agriculture. From digital closed-loop systems to sustainable farming techniques, they discovered how Agridesa is transforming Indonesia’s agricultural landscape through digital closed-loop agriculture, a system designed to empower local farmers with sustainable practices and modern technology.

Kicking Off The Journey

The adventure started off bright and early at 8 o’clock in the morning, as IKEA Co-workers gathered at the IKEA Bali Store in Denpasar, ready to set off for Agridesa’s office in Abiansemal, Gianyar Regency, just north of Denpasar City. The journey itself was filled with anticipation, with everyone eager to see what the day had in store.

As they arrived at Agridesa’s headquarters, they were greeted by the warm smiles of the Agridesa team in their cozy two-story shophouse, nestled among lush green paddy fields. The setting was perfect—a blend of modern and traditional Bali. The morning kicked off with friendly introductions and casual chit-chat, as the IKEA co-workers sampled fresh fruits and local Balinese snacks, lovingly prepared by the Agridesa team. This welcoming atmosphere set the tone for what would be an inspiring day of learning, sharing, and connecting with the spirit of sustainability.

The Baby Spinach Experience

With high spirits, IKEA co-workers and the team of Agridesa headed to the next destination: Agridesa’s baby spinach farming area in the cool, green hills of Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, about an hour drive from Agridesa’s office. Tabanan is not only famous for its stunning landscapes but also for its rich agricultural heritage, making it the perfect place to cultivate fresh produce.

Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by Cahya, a passionate farmer who oversees this lush 25-are farming area. With Agridesa’s team by his side, Cahya led IKEA co-workers on a tour around the fields, sharing his knowledge and love for the land. They got an up-close look at the tiny baby spinach seeds that had already been sown and were ready to be planted into the soil. The baby spinach grown here is carefully nurtured to become a star ingredient in the dishes served at restaurants all over Bali!

A Sweet Stop at Cau Chocolates

Their next stop took them deeper into the heart of Tabanan, to a sweet surprise, Cau Chocolates, located in the town of Marga. This organic chocolate company, one of Agridesa’s key partners and offtakers, is a true Balinese gem. Not only does Cau Chocolates produce high-quality, organic chocolate, but they’ve also established Desa Coklat Bali, a delightful restaurant where we gathered for lunch. The spread was nothing short of delicious, featuring local favorites like plecing kangkung, ayam suna cekuh, sate ayam, sayur labu kuah, and of course, the spicy kick of sambal matah.

The visit became even more exciting when they met Alit, the visionary founder of Cau Chocolates. Alit welcomed IKEA co-workers with stories about the company’s origins and how it blossomed into the sustainable business it is today. Afterward, he guided them on a fascinating tour of both the farm and the factory. Right across the street, they walked among rows of cacao trees and explored the fermentation and drying house where the magic of chocolate-making begins.

The Rebirth Of A Chocolate Farm

To wrap up the day, they made the way to another chocolate farm nearby Cau Chocolates. This farm, co-managed by Cau Chocolates and Agridesa, holds deep roots as it is established for over 20 years old. However, the farm’s productivity has declined over time, and Agridesa and Cau Chocolates are now collaborating to rehabilitate the land. Their plans include turning it into an agroforestry project, combining sustainable farming practices with environmental conservation.

Combining Agridesa’s expertise in sustainable farming with Cau Chocolates’ knowledge of cacao plantation management creates a powerful partnership. One of their essential practices is pruning, which involves trimming back overgrown plants to promote healthy growth. Through this collaboration, they are working to revitalize these trees, transforming them into productive cacao plants once again. Their vision extends beyond just chocolate production; they also aim to implement agroforestry practices. In this area, they plan to introduce additional crops that can thrive alongside the cacao trees, creating a harmonious ecosystem that benefits both the land and the community.

It was clear from the smiles all around that the Front-Day Sustainability activity had left a lasting impression. Everyone felt a sense of fulfillment, taking away not just knowledge but also inspiration from the people and places they had encountered. It wasn’t just a day spent learning about sustainability, but also was a journey of connection, growth, and a renewed commitment to making a positive impact.

Front-Day Sustainability: Sustainable Farming Exploration with IKEA Co-workers and Agridesa

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Kicking Off The Journey

The Baby Spinach Experience

A Sweet Stop at Cau Chocolates

The Rebirth Of A Chocolate Farm