Federation requests review of sale of IAC farm

The Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of the State of São Paulo (Faesp), through its president, Tirso de Salles Meirelles (pictured), sent a letter to the governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas, expressing concerns regarding the possible sale of part of the area of ​​the Santa Elisa Farm, belonging to the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC). The possible sale of the area is part of studies by the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply to assess the viability of areas belonging to the department.

The property houses one of the most important coffee germplasm banks in Brazil and the world. This is an area that contains the entire set of genetic material that makes up the basis of the country's coffee genetic heritage, which, according to the document sent to the governor, is essential for the continuation of research and development of new varieties of the crop. Fazenda Santa Elisa plays a central role in view of the historical importance of coffee in strengthening the national economy, since “90% of the coffee cultivars produced in Brazil are the result of research carried out at this IAC unit,” as stated in the document.

“It is worth noting that Colombian coffee, which is a reference in the international market, is the result of IAC research. The Institute does great work that needs to be preserved. We expect the governor to review this proposal,” said Meirelles.

The sale of the area, if carried out, represents a direct threat to the stored genetic heritage and ongoing research, with an impact on the sustainability and competitiveness of Brazilian coffee farming. Furthermore, Faesp believes that transferring the research to another location would be a costly and time-consuming process, compromising scientific advances under development. The entity advocates that decisions about the sale of public assets should consider not only financial aspects, but also long-term social, economic and environmental impacts.

Finally, the letter asks the governor to reconsider the possibility of selling the area and to preserve the IAC research unit, which is essential for the development and sustainability of Brazilian coffee and agriculture.