Scientists have sequenced the DNA of a variety of ‘theobroma cacao’, considered to produce the world’s finest chocolate.

According to Science Daily, “fungal diseases can destroy seed-bearing pods and wipe out up to 80 percent of the crop, and cause an estimated $700 million in losses each year.”

By sequencing the cacao genome, the US Department of Agriculture may help insure the supply of high-quality cacao to the $17 billion American chocolate industry.

Worldwide demand for cacao now exceeds demand, a reality prompting commodities trader Anthony to try to corner the global chocolate market.

As long we we keep commodity’s trader Anthony Ward away from poor farmers who will benefit from this scientific advancement, the world may have a win-win for truly free markets.

The Ivory Coast, producer of 40% of the global cacao supply had a much stronger than predicted cacao season, ending Mr. Ward’s anticipation of causing an international shortage of cacao, a critical health and libido-boosting food.

Let’s hope Ward is on to corn flakes, known to be a libido-depressing food, leaving chocolate lovers alone. Presently fine cocoa production is about 5 percent of global cacao production. Currently most cacao farmers earn about $2 a day, but fine chocolate commands a higher price.