Agroforestry trial plots between open fields in Ecuador, seen from a drone
About us

Our organization

ECOTOP works through a small network of entities in Switzerland and Bolivia, each with its own part in planning, delivering and teaching Dynamic Agroforestry.

Our Organization

We operate through a network of specialized entities, each playing a vital role in advancing Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) and regenerative agriculture. Together, these entities form a robust framework for delivering innovative, locally adapted solutions while driving global impact.

How we are organised

One network, four entities

Each part of ECOTOP has its own job, from project work with companies to research, training and advocacy in Bolivia.

Switzerland

ECOTOP Suisse GmbH

Founded in 2018 · Steckborn

The main operating company of ECOTOP. It leads our project work with companies and development partners, from the first farm assessment and system design to multi-year implementation in the field.

Our agronomists and field technicians set up Dynamic Agroforestry systems with farmers and stay on with training and technical assistance until the change shows in soils and yields. ECOTOP Suisse also quantifies carbon removals and monitors plots, including EUDR verification, for cocoa, coffee and other supply chains.

Clients include European companies with tropical supply chains; the work is set up to fit their climate commitments, such as SBTi targets.

Bolivia

Fundación ECOTOP

Non-profit · La Paz

The foundation promotes regenerative agriculture through education, research and sharing knowledge on DAF. It gives farmers training, technical assistance and practical tools for more diversity, fertile soils and resilience to climate change.

  • Successful advocacy for slash-and-mulch (chaqueo sin quema) and municipal bans on slash-and-burn in Palos Blancos and Alto Beni.
  • A popular vote, held with regional organisations and communities, that declared Alto Beni free from mining.
  • Partnerships with the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, the Universidad Católica Boliviana and PIAF–El Ceibo.
Bolivia

ECOTOP S.R.L.

Alto Beni

Founded by Dr. Joachim Milz in Alto Beni, ECOTOP S.R.L. works on sustainable rural development through Dynamic Agroforestry. It provides consultancy, training programmes and technical support for better yields, food security, diversity and climate resilience.

It works mainly in Latin America, with cocoa, coca, coffee, rice and corn, and supports farmers, cooperatives and companies in moving to DAF. Its farms serve as training hubs with diverse agroforestry plantations.

Germany

ECOTOP Germany

Founded in 2022

ECOTOP Germany adapts Dynamic Agroforestry and regenerative agriculture to European climates. While ECOTOP’s roots lie in the tropics, this branch works on tree-based systems that fit temperate farming landscapes.

Switzerland

Ecotop Suisse GmbH

Founded in 2018 and based in Steckborn, ECOTOP Suisse is the main operating company of ECOTOP. It leads our project work with companies and development partners, from the first farm assessment and system design to multi-year implementation in the field.

Our agronomists and field technicians set up Dynamic Agroforestry systems together with farmers and stay on with training and technical assistance until the change shows in soils and yields. ECOTOP Suisse also quantifies carbon removals and monitors plots, including EUDR verification, for supply chains in cocoa, coffee and other crops.

Clients include European companies with tropical supply chains, and the work is set up to fit their climate commitments, such as SBTi targets.

Bolivia

Ecotop Foundation

The ECOTOP Foundation is a non-profit organization in Bolivia dedicated to promoting regenerative agriculture through education, research, and knowledge dissemination on DAF. It empowers farmers with training, technical assistance, and practical tools to enhance biodiversity, soil fertility, and resilience to climate change.

A major achievement of the foundation is its successful advocacy for “chaqueo sin quema” (slash-and-mulch) as a sustainable alternative to “chaqueo con quema” (slash-and-burn). ECOTOP played a key role in lobbying for municipal bans on slash-and-burn practices in Palos Blancos and Alto Beni, significantly reducing forest fires.

Furthermore, the foundation collaborated with regional organizations and local communities to hold a popular vote that led to the Alto Beni region being declared free from mining, with municipal laws prohibiting mining activities—ensuring long-term protection of natural ecosystems.

Through partnerships with Bolivian universities (Universidad Mayor de San Andrés and Universidad Católica Boliviana), and other local organizations (Piaf – El Ceibo)  ECOTOP fosters agricultural innovation and strengthens local capacity for sustainable land management.

Bolivia

Ecotop S.R.L

ECOTOP S.R.L, founded in the early 2000s by Dr. Joachim Milz in Alto Beni, Bolivia, specializes in sustainable rural development through Dynamic Agroforestry Systems (DAF). It provides tailored consultancy, training programmes, and technical support to enhance food security, biodiversity, and resilience in tropical agricultural systems.

The firm works mainly in Latin America, focusing on cocoa and other agroforestry crops, integrating ecological restoration with economic productivity. It supports farmers, associations, and companies in transitioning to DAF. ECOTOP’s facilities serve as training hubs, showcasing diverse agroforestry plantations and sustainable farming innovations.

Founded in the early 2000s by Dr. Joachim Milz in Alto Beni, Bolivia, ECOTOP S.R.L specializes in sustainable rural development through Dynamic Agroforestry Systems (DAF). It provides consultancy, training programs, and technical support to improve yields, food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience in tropical agricultural landscapes.

Working mainly in Latin America, ECOTOP S.R.L integrates ecological restoration with economic productivity, focusing on cocoa, coca, coffee, rice and corn. It supports farmers, cooperatives, and businesses in transitioning to DAF. Its facilities serve as training hubs, showcasing diverse agroforestry plantations and sustainable farming innovations.

Germany

Ecotop Germany

Founded in 2022, ECOTOP Germany specializes in adapting Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) and regenerative agriculture to European climates. While ECOTOP’s roots lie in the tropics, this branch focuses on agroforestry solutions suited for temperate regions, integrating tree-based systems into European farming landscapes.

Curious?

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