ApexBrasil launches project to promote corn bran exports

DDGS/DDG (dried distillers frains) are generated from the production of ethanol from corn and are sources of nutrients for feeding ruminants, pigs, poultry, fish and shrimp.

The announced project is part of Brazil’s strategy to promote ethanol as an energy alternative and contribute to global environmental sustainability. The two-year partnership between ApexBrasil and Unem also intends to add value to agribusiness exports and increase the supply of corn bran for animal nutrition, as a result of the production of ethanol from corn, cultivated in the second harvest of the grain. The off-season is planted after the harvest of the main crop, in the same area, within the same agricultural year.

The project launched this Monday had the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. At the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, ( https://www.instagram.com/p/CuhgErphmXZ/ ) declared that the announced measure demonstrates the potential for expansion of the country’s agricultural sector. “Brazilian agriculture, which is already huge, has the competence to continue growing and developing beyond Brazilian borders. We produce renewable and sustainable energy and we can produce much more, within a production cycle”.

According to ApexBrasil, the increasing availability of DDG/DDGS corn bran leads to a price reduction, making it a more attractive alternative to other protein sources.

The president of ApexBrasil, Jorge Viana, highlighted that, in addition to contributing with an efficient option in global animal feed, Brazil strengthens the ethanol production chain. “Brazil is experiencing an extraordinary moment with the return of presidential diplomacy brought by President Lula. ApexBrasil has sought to value Brazilian products, betting on innovation.”

Minister Carlos Fávaro agreed with Jorge Viana and said that the government is rebuilding diplomatic bridges to increase exports, among other products, of animal protein. “President Lula travels around the world as a great ambassador, opening opportunities. And we are behind, sewing these opportunities. We expanded the market of various segments (of agribusiness) by rebuilding this diplomacy (…). We are walking the world together to bring opportunities here.”

The executive president of Unem, Guilherme Nolasco, said that, with the partnership, a new sector is organized for an agenda of promotion, promotion and international trade that will generate value for an entire business chain, from the production of grain, proteins and planted forest to income generation and tax collection”.

Corn production in the country

Currently, Brazil is the third largest corn producer in the world, behind only China (2nd) and the United States (1st). About 10% of the grains are destined for the production of ethanol, which is carried out with second-crop corn.

According to the latest Grain Crop Survey released in June by the National Supply Company (Conab), corn production will be a record in the 2022/2023 harvest. The estimate is to harvest 125.7 million tons of the grain, adding the three cereal harvests, throughout the cycle. ( https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/economia/noticia/2023-06/conab-estima-producao-de-graos-em-3158-milhoes-de-toneladas )

For the current harvest, the estimate of Brazilian production is 3 million tons of DDG/DDGS, and projections indicate that by 2031/2032, it will reach approximately 6.5 million tons.