More biodiesel added to diesel oil is the new opportunity for family farming in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

In March 2018, the Biodiesel Act reached a new stage. From now on, a percentage of 10% of biodiesel, mixed with the diesel oil, becomes a requirement in the Brazilian gas stations. The Act 13.033, of September 24, 2014, in force since 2016, provides a gradual increase in the amount of non-fossil fuels added to common diesel oil by 2019.
 
According to the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries (ABIOVE), this percentage increase should raise the demand for biodiesel in 30%. This is good news for soybean farmers, as, according to the Association, 80% of the bioenergy produced in Brazil comes from soybean. Leocir Bocchi, Director of Bocchi Agrobios, expects that the increase in biodiesel consumption might generate a 20-25% enhancement of demand for soybean oil.
 
Besides owning a biodiesel plant, Bocchi operates a soybean oil extraction industry and acts as a major distributor of agricultural inputs, in the region of Lagoa Vermelha, Rio Grande do Sul, He has a production capacity of 300,000 liters per day of biodiesel, and roughly 40% of the soybean received by him comes from family farming. “Many farmers are producers from Pronaf (National Family Farming Strengthening Program) and much of our trade is carried out through barter, that is, the exchange of soybean for inputs”, he said. The increased demand for biodiesel will positively reach those small producers, who will have their product valued.
 
To support the local farmers in meeting the future demand rise, in addition to inputs, Bocchi also provides technical advisory services and facilitates the access by these farmers to Bayer’s fidelity program from Rede AgroServices Network, in which, by acquiring essential products for crop management, they have the opportunity to register their vouchers fiscal, accumulate points and exchange them for products and services that will improve their productivity and business management in the field.
 
“We have a lot to win by supporting family farming. Bocchi Agrobios takes Bayer technologies to small producers and ensures the receipt of the raw material for its business, while he gives to the small farmers the tools to achieve high-quality management and guarantee that they will sell their production,” said Luis Crude, Regional Business Manager at Bayer.