Brazilian Second Crop Corn Reduces GHG and Improves Food Security, Says Nature Sustainability Study

(Agroicone /PR Newswire) A study coordinated by Agroicone in partnership with national and international researchers points out that the second crop corn ethanol production system provides renewable and affordable energy, animal feed, contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to improving food security.

A study recently published in the renowned journal Nature has revealed the benefits of Brazil's second-crop corn ethanol production system, highlighting its harmony with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study was developed by Agroicone in partnership with Angelo Gurgel (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Joaquim E. A. Seabra and Rosana Galindo (UNICAMP), Lee R. Lynd (Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College).

The research aimed to evaluate in a very careful way the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of the energy and food production system that is rapidly expanding in Brazil and drawing attention on a global scale. The production of corn ethanol in Brazil, despite its fast and short history, has already reached 6.3 billion liters in 2024, with an expectation of reaching between 13 and 15 billion liters in 2032 according to the EPE. In addition to the production expansion, there are plans to complement the carbon capture and storage system (BECCS), which may be the first project of its kind in Latin America and the world.

The environmental analysis looked at 18 intermediate indicators and three final indicators (Ecosystems, Human Health and Resource Availability). Two other models were used for socioeconomic indicators, with a main focus on the well-being and food security of the poorest families in Brazil and in the world. Finally, the results were also related to the SDGs.

Main results
The study indicates that the second crop corn ethanol production system provides renewable and affordable energy, with an additional annual production of five billion liters of ethanol and 600 GWh of electricity, in addition to four million tons of inputs for animal feed. In addition, the practice contributes significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, estimated at between 9.3 million and 13.2 million tons of CO2, and land-saving effect of 160,000 hectares.

The analysis used advanced Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods and computable general equilibrium (CGE) models, providing a comprehensive view of the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of the second crop corn ethanol production system in Brazil. The research underlines the importance of integrated assessments that address a full spectrum of impacts, including macroeconomic, food security, human health, ecosystems, and effects on low-income populations. This look was essential to elevate the publication to one of the most respected journals in the area.

Thus, the unprecedented study concludes that there is solid evidence on the benefits of this bioenergy production system that combines sustainable agricultural practices and cutting-edge technologies, significantly contributing to the energy transition and sustainable development.

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Coopercotton Cooperativa Agrícola announced this Monday, the 16th, the project to build a corn ethanol plant in the municipality of Itiquira, in the south of Mato Grosso, close to the border with Mato Grosso do Sul.

The cooperative, formed by family groups of producers, with over 20 years of existence, is in the phase of attracting investors and has already completed a feasibility study, according to a note released to the press.

With investments of US$ 150 million, the plant should have the capacity to process 1,500 tons of corn per day, for the production of ethanol and corn bran (DDG), a raw material for animal feed.

The region where the industrial unit will be implemented currently has around 200 thousand hectares of corn cultivation in its surroundings.

The cooperative stated that it plants the cereal on around 100 thousand hectares, an area considered sufficient to initially guarantee the supply of raw material to the plant.

The project was announced on the same day that the cooperative received a visit from executives from the Chinese group LongPing High-Tech, which operates in Brazil in the corn and sorghum seed segment, according to Coopercotton.

The cooperative presented the corn ethanol plant project to the Chinese group, but there was no information about any interest in the investment.

Construction of the plant is expected to begin by the end of 2025, with the industrial complex being delivered in 24 months, Coopercotton said.

Mato Grosso, the largest grain producer in Brazil, is also the largest state in corn ethanol in the country, with production increasing in recent years due to the launch of numerous plants. READ MORE