This project continues Embrapa's work that started in 1995 to improve yerba mate geneticmaterial and has already yielded a series of significant outcomes for the entire productionchain such as cultivars, technical and scientific methodologies, agricultural practice andprocess, advances in knowledge, training multiplying agents, and developing the descriptorsfor yerba mate with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA).This project will advance studies on superior yerba mate genetic materials via developmentand description (in terms of genetics, chemistry, and sensory characteristics), identificationand use of bioassets, assessing resistance to pests and disease, and developing/adaptinginnovative systems for production and processing of improved materials. High-productivitycultivars that are already registered with MAPA will be assessed through a network of tests topotentially expand their recommendations for use. New genetic material with special chemicalproperties (high levels of caffeine, theobromine, and antioxidants, or decaffeinated) will alsobe established in a new validation network in southern Brazil. The objective is to generate asignificant volume of results that will have a strong impact on the yerba mate productionchain, as well as scientific information to develop new products. This project is stronglyinvolved with the private sector (companies and rural producers) and public sector (institutesand universities). Partners provide financial resources, areas, labor, and inputs to carry out theactivities. All of these efforts are based on compliance with 9 of the 17 SustainableDevelopment Goals: 1 (end poverty), 3 (good health), 7 (clean energy), 9 (innovation andinfrastructure), 11 (sustainable communities), 12 (responsible consumption), 13 (climateaction), 15 (life on land), and 17 (partnerships).