EPAMIG launches Special Biotechnology Research Program

The Agricultural Research Company of Minas Gerais (EPAMIG) systematized its research actions in plant and animal biotechnology into a Special Program. The objective is to use biotechnological resources to make agriculture in Minas Gerais increasingly modern and competitive. The page with complete information about the Program is now available on the official EPAMIG website (click here to access).

According to the United Nations (UN), biotechnology is any technological application that uses biological systems to manufacture or modify products or processes. In the agricultural sector, biotechnology research is focused on disease diagnosis, animal cloning, genetic improvement, bioinsecticides and even the development of transgenic plants.

According to the UN, by the year 2050 the world will have around nine billion people. To guarantee food for the entire population, it is estimated that a 70% increase in production will be necessary. Given the projections, the president of EPAMIG, Nilda Soares, highlights the strategic role of the agricultural research company in Minas Gerais.

“Biotechnology is already present in new varieties of plants and animal breeds, in biological nitrogen fixation, in the production of biofuels and in several other national agricultural products. EPAMIG has been carrying out research in several of these areas. The results will contribute to a healthier life and more sustainable production in Minas Gerais”, projects the president.

According to the director of Technical Operations at EPAMIG, Trazilbo de Paula, the company plays a fundamental role in facing the challenges of modern agriculture and developing new products and services based on biotechnology.

“The research that will be developed with the structuring of this Special Program will certainly generate results with direct application on different fronts of Minas Gerais’ agriculture. This Special Program is a step forward for EPAMIG to provide more quality to the production of seeds and seedlings, in addition to opening up possibilities for the development of bioproducts”, states the director.

In total, the Program has 14 researchers trained in different areas. According to EPAMIG researcher, Maria Eugênia Lisei de Sá, the union of diverse and transversal knowledge is one of the reasons for the success of biotechnology research.

“The use of biotechnological tools has grown a lot in recent years, an achievement that has contributed to the development of innovative processes and products. Furthermore, it is necessary to highlight the joint efforts of the scientific community. This dynamic brought improvements to agricultural production and promoted, among other benefits, an increase in animal and plant production with health and respect for sustainable issues”, explains Maria Eugênia, who also works as coordinator of the EPAMIG Special Program.

Biotechnology project portfolio

EPAMIG is organizing a portfolio of projects in the biotechnology area. Initially, the company's main actions will focus on four innovation solutions for the state of Minas Gerais.

According to Maria Eugênia, the first solution aims to guarantee the production of seedlings with high genetic and sanitary quality in various fruit, ornamental, medicinal and other species such as olive and forage palm.

The second solution aims to promote soy in the food industry in a sustainable way. The third solution will focus on the development of a bioinsecticide to reduce the damage caused by the coffee borer and leaf miner in coffee farming. Finally, the fourth solution aims to increase meat and milk production through the development of superior animals with high health quality.

“Recently, two projects were approved by Fapemig in the areas of cattle farming and soy for human consumption with an emphasis on biotechnological techniques. Other projects aimed at the in vitro multiplication of ornamental and medicinal plants, as well as the clonal cleaning of olive tree seedlings, were submitted to other development agencies”, concludes Maria Eugênia.

Updates on EPAMIG's Special Biotechnology Program will be published on the company's official media. EPAMIG is linked to the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply of Minas Gerais (Seapa).