SP government promotes actions to combat greening

The Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply (SAA) announces the opening of Public Call Notice SAA No. 02/2025 to select a Civil Society Organization (CSO) that will work in collaboration with the State to strengthen the State Citrus Health Program. The initiative seeks to strengthen the fight against and prevention of diseases that affect São Paulo's citrus industry, a sector of great economic relevance. 

With an annual global reference value of R$3,6 million, the collaboration agreement will initially be valid for one year and may be extended for up to five years. The agreement with the CSO will involve the transfer of state financial resources from the Special Fund for Agricultural Defense Expenses to enable technical and administrative activities, always under the coordination and supervision of the Agricultural Defense.

The activities to be developed include inspections on rural properties, technical guidance to producers, inspection of abandoned orchards, educational campaigns and other strategic actions for the integrated management of the disease.

The notice establishes criteria for selecting the CSO, including proof of experience in plant health, operational capacity and team qualifications. Monitoring of activities will be monthly, with quantitative and qualitative performance indicators to ensure the effectiveness of the actions.

Proposals may be submitted until August 15, 2025. The preliminary result is expected for September 8, with the final result by September 22. The selected CSO must demonstrate technical and legal requirements, in addition to presenting a detailed work plan with goals, schedule and budget. More information is available on the website of the Secretariat of Agriculture (https://www.doe.sp.gov.br/executivo/secretaria-de-agricultura-e-abastecimento/edital-n-02-de-30-de-junho-de-2025-202506301312161177708).

Strategic importance for São Paulo citrus farming

The state of São Paulo is responsible for approximately 77% of the country's citrus production, making it the largest citrus-growing region in the world. Ensuring the health of the groves is essential to maintaining the competitiveness of the sector, which accounts for more than 70% of global orange juice exports.

Citrus greening, with no known cure, represents a critical phytosanitary challenge. The disease is already present in all citrus-growing regions of São Paulo, requiring coordinated efforts for prevention, monitoring and control of the insect vector.