ECOTOP
ECOTOP is a Swiss-Bolivian agroforestry consultancy that designs and implements Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) systems for smallholder cooperatives, large food and chocolate companies, and development agencies across four continents, with services spanning project delivery, training, monitoring, and Gold Standard certified carbon insetting.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersLa Paz, Bolivia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What ECOTOP does
ECOTOP is a Swiss-headquartered agroforestry consultancy with deep operational roots in Bolivia that designs, implements, and trains clients on Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) systems for tropical crops including cocoa, coffee, oil palm, coconut, cashew, citrus, and pineapple. Founded in the 1980s by Dr. Joachim Milz and formally organized in the early 2000s, ECOTOP operates through three legal entities — ECOTOP Suisse GmbH (HQ in Steckborn), ECOTOP SRL, and Fundación ECOTOP — and runs projects across 13 countries on four continents, deploying approximately 31 staff plus field technicians.
Its core technology is the DAF methodology, codified around six principles (high diversity, succession processes, biomass production, stratification, resource optimization, and adaptability) and supported by the DAF Tracker monitoring platform developed with FarmTree B.V. DAF is delivered through professional services: bespoke project development and implementation, participatory capacity building and training (workshops in Bolivia plus farmer-to-farmer dissemination), Gold Standard certified carbon insetting and sequestration services, and applied research in collaboration with FiBL, CRIG, and COCOBOD. Documented outcomes include cashew yield gains of +67% to +94% versus common practice in Burkina Faso and cocoa yields of approximately 800 kg/ha without external inputs in Bolivia.
ECOTOP monetizes through quote-based, project-specific consulting and training engagements with a hybrid segmentation spanning smallholder cooperatives (Kuapa Kokoo, UNOCACE), large enterprise buyers in the cocoa and food supply chain (Barry Callebaut, Coop Switzerland, Chocolats Halba, Delica AG, CABOZ), public-sector and development-finance clients (EU, GIZ, ITC, IAF, COCOBOD, FiBL), and NGOs. Its go-to-market combines direct enterprise consulting, recurring workshops and lighthouse-farmer training, and grant/donor-funded multi-year programs, typically structured as four-year engagements covering analysis, planning, implementation, and monitoring.
ECOTOP firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ECOTOP
- Legal name
- ECOTOP Suisse GmbH
- Website
- https://ecotop.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ECOTOP is a Swiss-Bolivian agroforestry consultancy that designs and implements Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) systems for smallholder cooperatives, large food and chocolate companies, and development agencies across four continents, with services spanning project delivery, training, monitoring, and Gold Standard certified carbon insetting.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ECOTOP industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sustainable Agriculture Consulting
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Crop Production (11511), Farm Management Services (115116), Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating (115112)
- SIC
- Agricultural Services (700), Forestry (800)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Soil Health & Regenerative Agronomy Consulting (AFACABAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Agroforestry & Perennial Cropping Systems (EUABABAD), Carbon, Sustainability & Farm Certification Support (Agro-Environmental Advisory) (AFACABAL), Sustainable Agriculture, Food Systems & Land Management (BPADALAG)
Keywords
Where ECOTOP is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- La Paz
- HQ country
- Bolivia
- HQ region
- Latin America
Offices3 records
Markets served
ECOTOP business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Project Development and Implementation Services: Custom solutions designed for unique needs from concept to completion. ECOTOP designs alternatives and offers training in management practices of dynamic agroforestry systems for farms of all sizes.
- Capacity Building and Training Programs: Participatory capacity building and training programs leveraging 20 years of practical experience. Workshops and courses offered several times a year in Bolivia.
- Climate Impact and Carbon Sequestration: ECOTOP streamlines carbon insetting by following certifiers' methodologies and third-party audits in a cost-effective process. Projects generate carbon credits through Gold Standard certified methodologies.
- Monitoring Solutions: Partnership with FarmTree B.V. for cutting-edge monitoring insights using the DAF Tracker tool.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
ECOTOP product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ECOTOP provides consulting, training, and implementation services for Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) systems worldwide. The firm supports the transition from monoculture and degraded soils into diverse, multi-strata agroforestry systems that regenerate land, sequester carbon, and improve farmer livelihoods. Offerings span project development, hands-on capacity building, monitoring (DAF Tracker), and advanced research for farmers, companies, governments, NGOs, and farmer cooperatives.
Product overview
ECOTOP offers a suite of services centered on Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF), a cultivation methodology that applies natural succession and plant stratification principles. The core offerings include: Project Development and Implementation (custom DAF solutions), Capacity Building and Training (participatory programs leveraging 20 years of experience), Monitoring Solutions featuring the DAF Tracker tool developed in partnership with FarmTree B.V., Climate Impact & Carbon Sequestration services (carbon insetting with third-party audits), and Advanced Research (scientific studies demonstrating DAF effectiveness). ECOTOP works across multiple crops including cocoa, coffee, oil palm, coconut, cashew, citrus, and pineapple, implementing projects on four continents.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF): ECOTOP's core methodology applying natural succession and plant stratification to support main crops such as cacao, coffee, coconut, oil palm, or fruit trees.
- DAF Tracker
Products and services
- Dynamic Agroforestry Project Development & Implementation End-to-end consultancy that designs and implements Dynamic Agroforestry systems on farms and landscapes, from species selection and planting plans to long-term management, for landowners, cooperatives, agribusinesses, and public-sector projects.
- Capacity Building & Training Programs Structured training programs that teach the six principles of Dynamic Agroforestry and the farmer-to-farmer exchange methodology, delivered to farmers, technicians, agronomists, and partner-organization staff.
- Climate Impact & Carbon Sequestration Services Quantification and advisory services for the carbon, climate, and biodiversity benefits of agroforestry projects, supporting clients in accessing carbon markets, sustainability reporting, and climate-smart sourcing commitments.
- Advanced Research & Methodology Development Applied agricultural research that refines the Dynamic Agroforestry methodology through trials, species selection, soil studies, and system design, producing evidence and tools used by ECOTOP's consulting and training practice.
- Monitoring Solutions (DAF Tracker) Monitoring offering delivered through the DAF Tracker tool (developed in partnership with FarmTree B.V.) that measures and documents agroforestry project performance, providing clients with data-driven visibility into plot outcomes, carbon impact, and biodiversity indicators.
Quantifiable outcome
- Cashew yields in Burkina Faso (2022-2024) were +67% higher than common practice on average, reaching +94% higher yields by year three
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use ECOTOP
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
ECOTOP technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
ECOTOP partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
29 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Barry CallebautcoreLeading global manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland. ECOTOP collaborates on research projects including the Selborne Estate initiative in Malaysia to develop sustainable cocoa production systems.
- Coop SwitzerlandcoreOne of Switzerland's largest retail and wholesale companies with strong commitment to sustainability, fair trade, and responsible sourcing. Partner in Sankofa Project for CO2 insetting.
- Chocolats HalbacoreSwiss premium chocolate manufacturer known for commitment to sustainability, fair trade, and high-quality chocolate production. Part of Coop Switzerland group. Partner in Ghana and Ecuador projects.
- International Trade Centre (ITC)coreMultilateral agency (joint UN and WTO) dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth in developing countries through trade-related technical assistance. Partner in Ghana projects.
- Nature and Development Foundation (NDF)coreNon-profit organization dedicated to balancing environmental conservation with sustainable development, established in 2013 in Ghana. Partner in Sankofa and SANKOFA 2.0 Projects.
- Fairtrade InternationalcoreGlobal certification initiative dedicated to ensuring ethical and sustainable trade practices across various industries, particularly in agriculture and commodity production.
- Kuapa Kokoo Farmers' CooperativecoreGhana's leading cooperative of smallholder cocoa farmers dedicated to promoting fair trade, sustainability, and farmer empowerment. Founded in 1993, providing over 100,000 cocoa farmers with support.
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)coreGhana's leading research institution dedicated to scientific innovation, technology development, and sustainable resource management. Partner in CRIG research trial.
- Fredy's PlantationminorSustainable cocoa and agroforestry project in Tiassalé, Ivory Coast, focused on sustainable production.
- SwisscontactminorOrganization advancing inclusive economic development and sustainability through technical cooperation.
- NaturefundminorEnvironmental organization supporting conservation and sustainable development projects.
- Tradin OrganicminorCompany specializing in organic and sustainable agricultural product sourcing and trading.
- BioPartenaireminorFrench company specializing in fair trade and organic agricultural products, particularly cocoa.
- ForclimeminorForests and Climate Change Programme - initiative of Indonesian and German governments aimed at reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable forest management.
- Vojvodina Organic ClusterminorAssociation dedicated to promoting organic agriculture in the Vojvodina region, Serbia.
- Delica AGcoreSwiss company specializing in development and production of high-quality food products including coffee, chocolate, snacks, and cooking ingredients. Leader of NECAAYO Agroforestry Project in Côte d'Ivoire.
- South PoleminorGlobally recognized leader in climate action and sustainability solutions, supporting businesses, governments, and communities in transitioning to sustainable practices.
- Inter-American Foundation (IAF)coreIndependent U.S. government agency supporting grassroots development initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean since 1969. Funder of agroecological production project in Bolivia.
- GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit)coreGerman development agency implementing international cooperation projects on behalf of the German government.
- European UnioncoreEU institutions and funding programs supporting sustainable development and climate action projects globally.
- Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau (FiBL)coreWorld-leading institute in organic agriculture founded in Switzerland in 1973. Conducts research on sustainable farming systems. ECOTOP provides agronomic management for cocoa research trials.
- Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG)coreGhana's leading cocoa research institution leading scientific long-term research trials comparing DAF with conventional cocoa farming at New Tafo facility, launched in 2022 within SANKOFA 2.0 Project framework.
- Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)coreGovernment body overseeing Ghana's cocoa industry. Has recognized DAF's potential and integrated it into national cocoa sustainability strategy.
- UNOCACEcoreUnión de Organizaciones Campesinas Cacaoteras del Ecuador - second-tier cooperative representing small-scale cocoa producers in Ecuador, established in 1999, uniting 18 local associations. Partner in FINCA Project.
- CABOZcoreSustainable cocoa initiative established in 2009 to create meaningful connections across the cocoa supply chain, partnering with smallholder farmers and chocolatiers.
- GebanaminorCompany focused on sustainable agricultural trade and fair relationships with smallholder farmers.
- SWISSCO (Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa)minorMulti-stakeholder initiative bringing together actors from cocoa and chocolate industry, public sector, NGOs, and research institutions to promote sustainable cocoa.
- HelvetasminorSwiss organization for international cooperation focused on sustainable development and climate change adaptation.
- FarmTree B.V.coreTechnology partner providing cutting-edge monitoring insights through the DAF Tracker tool for project monitoring and evaluation.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ECOTOP competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Tree Aid: Tree Aid is a UK-based organization focused on agroforestry and land restoration in Africa's drylands. They share ECOTOP's model of training local farmers, implementing tree-based systems, and generating carbon and livelihood outcomes through community-led programs.
- reNature: reNature is a Netherlands-based regenerative agriculture advisory that designs and implements agroforestry and regenerative farming systems for corporate clients globally. They overlap directly with ECOTOP in providing farm design, training, and MRV services for tropical commodity supply chains.
- Vi Agroforestry: Vi Agroforestry is a Swedish NGO specializing in agroforestry and sustainable land management in East Africa. Like ECOTOP, they deliver farmer training programs, implement agroforestry systems, and partner with smallholder farmers to improve yields and soil health.
- PUR Projet: PUR Projet is a France-based regenerative agriculture and agroforestry advisory firm operating across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. They directly compete with ECOTOP in designing and implementing corporate-funded regenerative supply chain projects for cocoa, coffee, and other tropical commodities.
Broad incumbents
- South Pole Group: South Pole is a Swiss-based global leader in climate solutions and carbon credit development. They are both an ECOTOP partner (Sankofa project) and a broader incumbent that develops and sells carbon credits across nature-based and tech-based solutions at much greater scale.
- Heifer International: Heifer International is a US-based nonprofit supporting smallholder farmers globally through training, livestock provision, and sustainable agriculture programs. They share ECOTOP's focus on smallholder capacity building and sustainable value chains across multiple developing country geographies.
- SNV: SNV is a Dutch development organization operating in Africa, Asia, and Latin America with programs in agriculture, energy, and water. They are comparable to ECOTOP in delivering sustainable agriculture and agroforestry advisory services at scale with donor funding.
- Rainforest Alliance: Rainforest Alliance is a US-based international NGO focused on sustainable land management and commodity certification. They overlap with ECOTOP in promoting regenerative practices in cocoa and coffee supply chains but operate a broader certification and landscape management platform.
- Solidaridad: Solidaridad is a Dutch international NGO operating across more than 40 countries with a focus on sustainable agriculture and supply chains. They overlap with ECOTOP's mission of supporting smallholder farmers in cocoa, coffee, and other commodities but operate at much larger organizational scale.
Others
- CIRAD: CIRAD is the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development, conducting research on tropical agriculture and agroforestry. They are an adjacent research and ecosystem partner to ECOTOP (similar methodology validation, comparable tropical crop focus) rather than a direct commercial competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ECOTOP social profiles
Digital presenceECOTOP financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ECOTOP leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
ECOTOP subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
ECOTOP funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ECOTOP M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ECOTOP
What does ECOTOP do?
ECOTOP provides consulting, training, and implementation services for Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) systems worldwide. The firm supports the transition from monoculture and degraded soils into diverse, multi-strata agroforestry systems that regenerate land, sequester carbon, and improve farmer livelihoods. Offerings span project development, hands-on capacity building, monitoring (DAF Tracker), and advanced research for farmers, companies, governments, NGOs, and farmer cooperatives.
Is ECOTOP a public or private company?
ECOTOP is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was ECOTOP founded?
ECOTOP was founded in 1980. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ECOTOP based?
ECOTOP is headquartered in La Paz, Bolivia, in the Latin America region.
How does ECOTOP make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Project Development and Implementation Services are the primary driver. The others are capacity Building and Training Programs, climate Impact and Carbon Sequestration and monitoring Solutions.
Who are ECOTOP's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Tree Aid, reNature, Vi Agroforestry and PUR Projet. Broad incumbents are South Pole Group, Heifer International, SNV, Rainforest Alliance and Solidaridad. CIRAD is listed as an others.
Does ECOTOP have an API?
No public API is recorded for ECOTOP.
What industry is ECOTOP in?
ECOTOP's product category is Sustainable Agriculture Consulting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFACABAA, Soil Health & Regenerative Agronomy Consulting, with a secondary code of EUABABAD, Agroforestry & Perennial Cropping Systems. Its NAICS code is 11511 and its SIC code is 700.