The center is a product of our long-standing commitment to supply our customers with the quality tobaccos they need. We employ the newest agronomic technologies and the highest international standards. It is also the hub of our tobacco breeding, seed production and training programs, which are setting the industry pace in the development of tobacco varieties, seeds and guidelines for successful growing and processing.

Much of the center’s research has centered on quality, yield and disease resistance. The program has produced more than 26 flue-cured and burley cultivars which are resistant to a variety of degenerative diseases such as bacterial wilt. Much of the tobacco processed by Universal in Brazil is a product of the research and development facility.

The center’s training program has been exceptionally successful in helping local personnel gain enhanced skills in agronomics and operations at Universal. Participants are given an opportunity to utilize, and work within, a technologically advanced laboratory to solve problems, explore new tobacco varieties and gain greater knowledge in the areas of plant breeding and seed production.