Brazilian agriculture officials visited Fundecitrus to discuss the first steps in implementing the National Greening Prevention and Control Program, which will be carried out by the states. The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) and the Agricultural Defense Coordination Office of the State of São Paulo.
The ordinance establishing the program introduces stricter guidelines for disease monitoring, vector control, and eradication of infected plants.
Ricardo Hilman, MAPA's general coordinator of plant protection, emphasized the scope of the initiative. "The disease is undoubtedly the biggest problem facing our citrus industry," Hilman said. "With the national program, we address not only upcoming actions but also all the work that needs to be initiated, especially in São Paulo, where the national citrus industry is concentrated. Over the next few months, we will organize ourselves to improve this fight against greening and, thus, reduce its incidence in the future. That is the main goal."
The regulation also recognizes Fundecitrus as an advisory body and divides Brazilian states into areas with and without greening, assigning different responsibilities in each case.
The August meeting included citrus nursery producers, who raised the need for expanded discussions on federal legislation regarding citrus canker.
According to Fundecitrus researcher Franklin Behlau, the start of the national plan and negotiations to adjust nursery requirements represent an important development for producers. "It is essential that there is interaction between all those involved in developing regulations governing the control of quarantine diseases, under the responsibility of official control, ensuring that they are aligned with the needs and realities of producers," Behlau said.
Source: Citrus Industry