SP reinforces actions to strengthen citrus farming

The actions to strengthen São Paulo's citrus industry, carried out by the Agriculture Department of the state of São Paulo (SP), will be highlighted in 2025 with the publication of the new estimate for the 2025/26 harvest by the Citrus Defense Fund (Fundecitrus). The forecast announced today (9/5) is 314,11 million boxes of oranges in the citrus belt of São Paulo and Triângulo/Sudoeste Mineiro - a growth of 26,4% in relation to the previous harvest, marked by adverse weather conditions.

The citrus industry in São Paulo is responsible for around 80% of the national orange production and 90% of the orange juice processed in the country, consolidating the state as a global leader in the sector. The production chain generates over US$3 billion per year and generates approximately 200 direct and indirect jobs. In 2024, the juice group accounted for 9,6% of São Paulo's agribusiness exports, totaling R$17,78 billion, with orange juice being the main item, responsible for 98,1% of this value.

São Paulo in the fight against greening

In 2024, the Agriculture Department announced the “Combating Greening” credit line, with the aim of supporting producers in adopting preventive measures and controlling the disease that affects orchards. So far, more than R$6 million has been released to 32 producers.

The Agricultural Defense Coordination (CDA) carries out health actions, inspections and technical guidance throughout the state, in addition to being on the front line in the fight against diseases such as Greening/HLB and Citrus Canker. Current legislation establishes strict plant health protection measures, such as the prohibition of the street trade of citrus seedlings, a practice that poses a significant risk to the health of commercial orchards. In 2024, there were 1743 HLB inspections, totaling 4.502.358 seedlings removed. In addition, 37 educational lectures were held for external audiences.

In addition, the Coordination maintains a direct channel for reporting abandoned or poorly managed orchards. In April, 57 reports were answered. The presence of these orchards, without control of the psyllid (Diaphorina citri) — vector of greening — or without the proper eradication of contaminated plants, represents a threat to the citrus industry in São Paulo, as it functions as a permanent source of dissemination of the disease.

Research and innovation for citrus farming

To expand the knowledge base and promote innovation in the sector, the Center for Applied Research in Innovation and Sustainability in Citrus Farming (CPA) was created, the result of a partnership between the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply (SAA), Fundecitrus, the São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Fapesp) and the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (Esalq/USP).

With a planned investment of R$90 million over the next five years, the CPA's mission is to promote the formation of new research groups and consolidate existing initiatives, with a priority focus on tackling greening. Based at Esalq/USP, in Piracicaba (SP), the center represents a strategic advance and promises to be a turning point for Brazilian citrus farming, integrating science, innovation and public policies to combat the sector's main challenges.