Centro di Ricerca, Sperimentazione e Formazione in Agricoltura- Basile Caramia (CRSFA)

The foundation of the "Basile Caramia" Research, Experimentation and Training Center in Agriculture took place in 1987. Since 1992 it has been located in the enchanting Masseria Ferragnano of Locorotondo. At the beginning of the eighties, on the initiative of the then directors of the Opera Pia of the "Basile Caramia" Agricultural Technological Institute of Locorotondo, the idea of creating a structure with the aim of:

to act as a link between the productive world and the Institutions dedicated to research and experimentation in the agriculture sector;
improve the local fruit and vegetable productions from a qualitative and productive point of view;
to contribute to raising the cultural level of agricultural technicians and operators;
provide timely information on public funding related to the agriculture sector;
ensure continuity of training for young people graduated from the Istituto Tecnico Agrario Statale (ITAS) in Locorotondo.
 

Initially the main activity of the CRSFA "Basile Caramia" was focused on the production of plant propagation material of certified category to be allocated to the nurserymen. With resolution no. 871 of 23 June 1993, the Puglia Region delegated to the CRSFA the activity of Pre-multiplication within the voluntary certification programs, for citrus fruits, stone fruits, olives and vines.

For the start of this activity, in order to meet the needs and expectations of the Apulian nursery sector of quality production, to best perform the activities planned by the Board of Directors and the Scientific Technical Committee (CTS), the CRSFA made use of the scientific support of the Department of Plant Protection and Applied Microbiology (DPPMA) of the University of Bari, of the Center for Virus and Virosis Studies of the Mediterranean Cultures of the CNR, of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute (IAM), of technical and logistic support of the Vivaistico Pugliese Consortium and the economic contribution of the Provincial Administration of Bari, of the Rural and Artisan Banks of Sammichele di Bari and Locorotondo, of the Provincial Coldiretti Federation of Bari