Farmer Maria Eunice Soares de Machado Costa, 60, a resident of Montes Claros (MG), found that the macaúba who plants in her fields could transform not only reality but also change the world. 
This Friday (29), she was called “Revolutionary” by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the inauguration of the Center for Agroindustrial Technology and Innovation of the company Acfaváveis. It will be by Macaúba that will be produced biofuel with an expected investment of $ 3 billion.
“For me, it is a great joy to know that we farmers will be part of this investment that will not only favor us, but also to the environment,” said the rural worker. It is part of the family farmers’ cooperative and environmental agro -extractivist of the Riachão Valley.
At the inauguration event, President Lula asked her to tell the public and the other authorities present that, since the 1990s, she has been fighting for the sustainability of the region.
“This woman has a lot to do with the story of Macaúba’s survival here in this region,” Lula said.
Struggle for production
In the microphone, he recalled that the Riachão River, which bathes the area, began to dry after farmers in the region installed irrigation pivots only to their own land and taking water from small producers. “It was a very big fight for three years. Until we managed to seal the pivots of the major producers,” said the farmer.
According to the company, the fruit extracted by the producers goes through the cleaning and crushing process. Then vegetable oil becomes green aviation kerosene, a green diesel.
The project involves a planted area of 180 thousand hectares, and 20% are from small farmers. It is expected that, in 10 years, 85 thousand jobs will be generated.
President Lula during a visit to the premises and inauguration ceremony of the Center for Technology and Agroindustrial Innovation and the launch of the Valoriza Program. Photo: Ricardo Stuckert/PR
“World Champion”
President Lula, by celebrating the work of small producers and the inauguration of the company, argued that Brazil will be the world champion in the energy transition and renewable fuels. He assured that the production will not make forests overthrow to plant macaúba. “We have over 40 million hectares of degraded land.”
In addition, the president defended business partnerships for the sustainability of the planet.
“We have to think about what kind of development project we want. We can’t be expecting to laugh at the United States will do what we need,” said the president.
He emphasized that other countries cannot be expected to solve Brazil’s problems. “We don’t have time to complain, we don’t have time to cry. We have to believe and make things happen,” he said.
He celebrated the venture and guaranteed that it will be transformative for rural producers. “As long as the plant does not give the first harvest, farmers will receive a pro labore,” said the president.
Public policies
Also at the event this Friday, the company’s senior operations technician, João Paulo dos Santos Fonseca, told the president that public policies were decisive to change his life.
He completed his degree in Production Engineering with Higher Education Student Fund (FIES) without financial difficulties interrupting their studies.
“This opportunity has transformed my life. Today, in the company, I have the privilege of contributing enthusiasm to the energy transition of Brazil. That my presence here can inspire other young people to believe in their potential,” he said.
