Sustainable Citrus SP Project concludes first continuous training module for Defense and Rural Extension technicians

The first stage of the continued training module for technicians from the Agricultural Defense Coordination (CDA) and the Comprehensive Technical Assistance Coordination (CATI) proposed in the work plan of the Sustainable Citrus SP Project was completed after three months of training. The project, which is a partnership between the Secretariat of Agriculture and Supply (SAA) of São Paulo and Fundecitrus, seeks to transfer knowledge to the citrus sector, helping to maintain the phytosanitary health of orchards, with emphasis on tackling greening, the biggest challenge citrus industry today.

Professional training is one of the points foreseen in the project's work plan, which includes a series of educational actions and projects. In this first module, ten training sessions were carried out, which took place since October 2021, taught by agronomists and researchers from Fundecitrus, aimed especially at the management of citrus pests and diseases. “In this way, Defense and Rural Extension technicians are more up to date and prepared to work in the different regions of the citrus park”, explains CATI Coordinator, Alexandre Manzoni Grassi.

For the coordinator of the Fundecitrus Technology Transfer area, Ivaldo Sala, “this exchange of information and experiences between professionals at the institutions is very important not only for training and updating, but especially for the subsequent guidance to citrus growers in caring for their properties".

The next training module will address all legislation in force in the field and, in particular, the new state legislation for the prevention and control of greening, in force since December 2021.

The Sustainable Citrus SP Project lasts five years and includes several technology transfer actions aimed at helping citrus growers have access to all available knowledge about citrus cultivation, mainly about pest and disease control.