SPANISH research and development organisation Ideagro has opened its first agricultural research centre on another continent, which will aim to bring practical solutions to local potato growers.
Ideagro Brazil is located at the Ingá University Center (Uningá) in the city of Maringá, in northwestern Paraná. The investment by Alltech Crop Science (ACS), a provider of plant nutrition products, in partnership with the university, makes possible physical, chemical and biological analyses, as well as development of biotechnological solutions to address the challenges of Brazilian potato growing.
In its first year of operation, Ideagro will invest over USD 1 million in research, development, and product registration in Brazil.
Potato farming in Brazil is a significant agricultural sector, particularly in the south-central region. The production is concentrated in three states – Paraná, São Paulo, and Rio Grande do Sul, which collectively account for about 90% of the national crop. While Brazil has a humid, subtropical climate generally suitable for potato cultivation, challenges like irregular rainfall and temperature variations can impact production, especially in Rio Grande do Sul.
