IAC bids farewell to researcher Luiz D'Artagnan de Almeida.

The Agronomic Institute (IAC) announced the passing of retired researcher Luiz D'Artagnan de Almeida (pictured), which occurred on January 2nd. Recognized for his decisive contribution to Brazilian agriculture, he was responsible for the evaluation and dissemination of the Carioca bean, a variety that transformed bean consumption in the country.

Known as D'Artagnan, the researcher joined IAC in 1967, an institution linked to the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply of the State of São Paulo, where he worked until his retirement in 2002, in what was then the Legumes Section.

The history of the Carioca bean began in 1966, when striped grains were sent to the IAC (Agronomic Institute of Campinas) for analysis. The first agronomic and culinary evaluations were conducted by D'Artagnan, alongside researchers Shiro Miyasaka and Hermógenes Freitas Leitão Filho. In 1969, the variety was officially launched, under the direct responsibility of D'Artagnan, and incorporated into the basic seed production project of the Directorate of Integral Technical Assistance (Cati).

In the 1970s, with the implementation of the Bean Genetic Improvement Program, the Carioca bean became the most consumed bean in Brazil, reaching 66% of national consumption, in an advance that redefined quality and productivity standards.

Due to the importance of his work, Luiz D'Artagnan de Almeida received numerous honors throughout his career and became known as the "father of Carioquinha," leaving a lasting legacy for national research and agriculture.