The Graduate Program in Crop Science at the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA), formerly known as the Superior School of Agriculture of Mossoró (ESAM), was officially launched at the master’s level in June 1988 (approved by the CNE, Ordinance No. 2.878 of 08/24/2005) and at the doctoral level on June 23, 2003 (approved by the CNE, Ordinance No. 1.919 of 06/03/2005). The program’s objectives are to train and improve professors for higher education, develop researchers for investigative and developmental activities, expand the expertise of field technicians, and help professionals adapt to the evolving labor market. It currently holds a CAPES rating of 6 and focuses on a single area of concentration: TROPICAL AGRICULTURE.