Uruguay Leads Citrus Innovation on World Stage

Strategic partnership boosts genetic advancement with global impact.

Uruguay has become a key player in citrus innovation, showcased after an international tour in June. The event highlighted a strategic alliance between the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INIA) and Citrus Genesis, demonstrating Uruguay’s commitment to advancing citrus genetics.

International Collaboration

More than 20 technicians and entrepreneurs from Peru, Chile, Spain, and Italy gathered in Uruguay to observe the progress of the National Citrus Genetic Improvement Program. Participants toured experimental stations at INIA Las Brujas and INIA Salto Grande, and visited commercial farms cultivating new citrus varieties.

Public-Private Model

“The innovation that we develop in Uruguay is managed outside the country under a responsible and strategic public-private model,” explained agronomist Fernando Rivas, a researcher at INIA, emphasizing the program’s unique approach.

The partnership with Citrus Genesis allows Uruguayan varieties to be marketed globally through a controlled licensing system. This setup protects intellectual property and generates royalties, while providing access to crucial information from international markets. Globally, the citrus fruit market is projected to reach $25.7 billion by 2029 (Fortune Business Insights).

“Some varieties that may not seem priority, can find their niche in other markets,” Rivas added, pointing out the significance of having an international perspective on innovation.

Field and Lab Insights

Tour attendees gained insights into the R&D process, including biotechnology, molecular biology, field evaluations, and post-harvest research. The program featured technical presentations, laboratory visits, experimental modules, and tastings of new varietal selections. Participants also visited commercial farms to see new varieties validated before market release.

Citrus Genesis Perspective

David Alba, CEO of Citrus Genesis, praised the Uruguayan program’s technical soundness and long-term vision. “We seek to generate varieties that facilitate the producer’s work, resist the supply chain and meet consumer expectations,” Alba stated, adding, “We want to differentiate ourselves in a very mature category such as citrus.”

Global Expansion

Seven varieties developed by INIA and Inia-Fagro have been introduced in Spain after being sanitized by the Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA). These varieties are now ready for multiplication and commercial evaluation, marking a major milestone for Uruguayan science.