Ricardo Sant’Anna Martins

Agronomist Engineer with a Master of Science (MSc) in Agroecosystems and a specialization in Plant Production with an emphasis on dragon fruit.

Has international experience in countries such as Costa Rica, India, Peru, Vietnam and Ecuador.

He has worked as rural extensionist for 10 years at the Santa Catarina Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Company/Epagri based in Southern Brazil.

For a decade Ricardo has been dedicating and specializing in the different areas of fruit growing and, in particular, dragon fruit farming. He currently guides and assists more than 150 dragon fruit orchards in the southern region of Santa Catarina State.

As a great enthusiast of this crop, he has given several lectures throughout Brazil and traveled to various countries bringing knowledge and technologies for dragon fruit.

Curriculum

  • Agronomist with Master of Science (Msc) in Agroecosystems at the Federal University of Santa Catarina/UFSC (2004-2009);
  • Specialization in Plant Production at Federal Institute of Santa Catarina/IFC - Santa Rosa do Sul Campus/SC;
  • Specialist in dragon fruit farming where he has worked in rural extension and research support for the Santa Catarina Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Company/Epagri;
  • Works on the setting up of commercial orchard projects, irrigation system, management and technical assistance to family farmers in the southern region of Santa Catarina, the main dragon fruit production center in Brazil.
  • He teaches and participates in various courses, field days and lectures on dragon fruit cultivation in Santa Catarina and throughout Brazil
  • Has international experience in countries such as Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, India, Vietnam and Argentina;
  • Technical responsibility for more than 150 orchards in the southern region of Santa Catarina

His main line of work is in sustainable agriculture, conservation soil management, biological control and the development of efficient and profitable production systems

PHOTO GALLERY