Brazil’s Fundecitrus recently led a tribute to Guilherme Piai, secretary of agriculture and supply of the state of São Paulo. The recognition of the secretary’s support in the fight against citrus greening occurred during the opening ceremony of the 50th Expocitrus/46th Citrus Week.
Fundecitrus Executive Director Juliano Ayres presented Piai with a symbolic trophy in gratitude for his work and commitment to the sector.
“Fundecitrus, representing the industry and citrus growers, and the government of the state of São Paulo, through FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation) and ESALQ/USP (Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture/University of São Paulo), are making history by benefiting a sector that is extremely important to the economy,” Ayres said. “The CPA Citrus (Center for Applied Research in Innovation and Sustainability in Citrus) will be a milestone in the fight against greening. It will be a very dedicated effort.”
Piai recognized the importance of citrus farming in the state. Citrus is the third largest agribusiness sector. “We are not losing this war against greening,” Piai said. “We know how important citrus farming is to the economy of São Paulo, and with the CPA, we are certain that we will make significant progress in controlling the disease.”
The creation of CPA Citrus was approved earlier this year. It aims to strengthen the formation of new research groups and consolidate existing centers, focusing on the development of strategies for controlling greening, especially in areas still little explored by science.
CPA Citrus is the result of an unprecedented partnership between Fundecitrus, FAPESP and ESALQ/USP. The center will receive an investment of R$200 million over the next five years, with the possibility of renewal for another five years.
Fundecitrus is an association maintained by citrus growers and juice manufacturers from the state of São Paulo.
Source: Fundecitrus
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