Embrapa seeks partners to develop solutions for coconut and citrus

On the 29th, Embrapa published an open innovation notice to attract partner organizations in the joint development of technological solutions aimed at the coconut and citrus production chains. The call focuses on attracting companies, associations and cooperatives of rural producers and other agents in the productive sector, and Embrapa Agrobiologia is one of the Integrated Units of the notice, having developed a biological accelerator for composting coconut waste as an asset for partnership. 

According to researcher Luís Henrique Soares, in charge of the unit, the objective was to develop a product capable of accelerating the composting of coconut waste, using efficient microorganisms capable of degrading lignin, cellulose and lignocellulose, the main components of coconut fiber, also avoiding the need for prior chemical treatment, so that it can also be a solution used in organic or agroecological production.

“The work began with the search for microorganisms in specific areas of the agroindustry where there was speculation in coconut fiber. We did a screening and identified eleven strains of five genera of microorganisms with a lot of potential for action. After a series of tests, we arrived at a formulation containing two highly efficient strains of microorganisms”, says the researcher.

The product is currently in the prototype phase, and what is expected is a partnership to develop it and carry out further field tests to verify large-scale use. “It is an asset that eliminates the need for chemical pre-treatment and offers the opportunity to work with microorganisms developed with Embrapa technology, with origin and quality control”, he highlights.

All assets available in the open innovation notice were presented live on the 6th, on Embrapa's YouTube channel. The format of partnerships is regulated through the open innovation mechanisms provided for in the Regulatory Framework for Science, Technology and Innovation (Law 13.243/2016; Decree nº 9.283, of 7/02/2018). The final date for submitting proposals is January 31, 2024.

The planned and approved proposals will be announced on March 8, and the projects developed will have an execution period of five years, with financial and non-financial transport by the Units involved and external partners.