Epamig prepares coffee seeds for sale

The Agricultural Research Company of Minas Gerais (Epamig) began preparing qualified coffee seeds for commercialization in 2020. The seeds offered are of high physiological quality and meet the requirements of current legislation. The characteristics of these materials contribute to obtaining healthier and more productive seedlings and plants. 

The availability takes place, especially, in the harvest period, from the month of May. The commercialization is carried out by the Experimental Fields of Machado, São Sebastião do Paraíso and Três Pontas, in the south of Minas and in Patrocínio, in Alto Paranaíba. The offered cultivars are registered in the National Cultivars Registry (RNC). The quantity and varieties offered may vary between units.

At the Três Pontas Experimental Field, six cultivars from EPAMIG, MGS Aranãs, MGS Paraíso 2, Paraíso MG 419-1, Topázio MG1190, Catiguá MG 2 and MG 3, will be available, in addition to six from the Campinas Agronomic Institute (Catuaí Vermelho IAC 144 and IAC 99, Catuaí Amarelo IAC 62, Mundo Novo IAC 379/19 and IAC 376/4, Acaiá IAC 474/19) and one from Fundação Procafé Catucaí Amarelo 2 SL.

“It is likely that we will have a few more available, but these are the most sought after. Production will be approximately 4 kg”, informs agronomist Vanessa Castro Figueiredo. The technical adviser points out that according to the recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, “the availability of high quality seeds allows farmers to take advantage of all the productive potential of the new cultivars developed through genetic improvement”.

Coffee seeds for sale must have a minimum germination percentage of 70%, absence of live insects and 98% purity. Vanessa explains that there are differences between the preparation of grains intended for seed production and those used for the drink. “Coffee beans intended for seed production and beverage quality must be harvested at the “cherry” stage. To produce the seed, the coffee must be peeled, degummed in clean water and washed until all mucilage is removed. After this procedure, it must be placed to dry in a clean place, until 11 to 12% humidity. The coffee for the drink can also be prepared in natural form (called coconut coffee)”.

Orders can be made at the units themselves. Due to restrictions due to the Covid pandemic, contacts must preferably be made by email. Delivery of seeds can be made in person (prearranged) or by post.