Citrosuco and Itaú BBA launch program for citrus farming

Citrosuco and Itaú BBA announced at Climate Week NYC the launch of the Brazilian Citrus Program for Climate Adaptation, a program that combines sustainability and agricultural innovation. Focused on the new frontier of citrus farming, the initiative aims to support producers in adopting regenerative practices and generating income through carbon offset credits.

The program promotes practices such as rational water use, green manure, ecological weeding, and preventive pest control, especially greening, one of the main threats to citrus farming. The aim is to increase the resilience of orchards and encourage climate adaptation in areas where Brazilian citrus farming is expanding, such as the Cerrado.

The joint action foresees that, initially, around 45 thousand hectares will generate carbon credits from the implementation of regenerative practices.

This area corresponds to more than 63 football fields, generating an average of 100 carbon credits annually over 25 years, which is equivalent to an estimated reduction of 3,5 million tons of CO2.

This total is enough to offset the average electricity consumption of more than 350 Brazilian homes for one year. The credits will be sold by Itaú BBA. 

Sustainable development

"The project is another important step in the integration of sustainable development, climate adaptation, and modernization of the agricultural sector. Together with Citrosuco, we are enabling regenerative practices that strengthen citrus farming, generate carbon credits, and promote real gains for producers. This initiative reinforces Itaú Unibanco's commitment to the transition to a low-carbon economy," he commented. Maria Belen Losada (pictured, left), head of Carbon products at Itaú Unibanco. 

"This initiative is part of our 2030 ESG Commitments, which aim to contribute to climate resilience. Through our partnership with Itaú Unibanco, which enables us to convert responsible agricultural practices into carbon credits, Citrosuco ensures the delivery of indicators already implemented in the sustainability agenda. We continue to invest to be a key player in transforming the value chain and generating a positive impact for society and the planet," he highlighted. Clauber Andrade (pictured, right), Chief Legal Corporate Affairs Office at Citrosuco. 

In addition to co-managing the program, Itaú will be involved in technical structuring and negotiations with buyers. Citrosuco, in turn, will be responsible for engaging citrus growing partners to join the program, supporting citrus greening prevention, and contributing with socio-environmental certifications and field guidance.