The Brazilian Association of Producers of Cassava Starch (ABAM) is spearheading the establishment of a research fund to enhance the cassava production chain. This initiative aims to address the diminishing public resources for research and encourage a more private and faster-paced approach. Alberto Duarte Vilarinhos, the head of Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura, praises this model, citing it as a global trend and a necessary complement to government efforts. The fund will support research initiatives across various institutions, with a focus on addressing sector-specific challenges and exploring future opportunities. Vilarinhos emphasizes the need for more researchers and resources in cassava research to speed up the development process, as observed with the rapid tracking and distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine.