In November 2024, we announced our investment in a new project in the agribusiness sector: Fazenda Compostela, in Passo Fundo (RS). The farm is born sustainably with the objective of effectively entering agricultural production. Twenty years ago, when the National Biodiesel Production and Use Program (PNPB) was created and Be8 (then BSBIOS) was founded, I aspired to see the soybean production complete the transformation cycle, with biofuel powering agricultural machinery and implements.
To make this dream come true and bring even more sustainability to production, a partnership with John Deere and SLC Máquinas is being established, so that the agricultural machinery will be powered exclusively by Be8 BeVant, a new biofuel patented by Be8 that can fully replace diesel, providing a reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
Alongside BR 285, the farm is already a consolidated agricultural area with 230 hectares, which will be used for planting grains such as soybeans and corn in the summer, and wheat and triticale in the winter. The site will have an area dedicated to innovation studies in oilseed crops for biofuels and grasses for ethanol, as well as genetic development in partnerships with research and teaching institutions in crops to be used in biofuel production.
Our goal with this project is to use the most advanced technology, inputs, crops, and management systems to make this farm a model of high productivity and agricultural practice in Brazil. During the announcement event, we received agricultural machinery and implements from John Deere to be used on the farm (two tractors, a sprayer, a planter, and a harvester) and at the Be8 factory (four wheel loaders), in the Passo Fundo unit.
“It is surprising how Brazil continues to reinvent itself with dynamic entrepreneurs who help the country stay ahead in terms of alternative fuel technologies. So today is a mix of the most modern and innovative machines from John Deere alongside Be8, which is bringing first-rate biofuels to the market, including new fuels like Be8 BeVant. We understand that the world needs multiple alternatives and work with different fuels to meet the needs of different customers,” said the Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Latin America at John Deere, Antonio Carrere.
“The partnership between John Deere and Be8 reinforces our commitment to sustainability and innovation. For us at SLC Máquinas, the launch of the new Be8 BeVant biofuel represents a significant step in supporting customers who use machines in the agricultural, construction, and paving sectors. This initiative directly contributes to the ESG journey, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable future for all,” commented the CEO of SLC Máquinas, Anderson Strada.
Purpose
Compostela, the name of the farm, means “starry fields” and refers to the Spanish city Santiago de Compostela, the destination of one of the oldest and most challenging pilgrimage routes in the old continent, which I completed in July 2024, after traveling more than 800km.
On the journey, I strengthened my purpose of building a better world for future generations through actions and examples. All my ventures are pillars of this purpose, and I am happy to reaffirm my commitments and work in Brazil with more determination to achieve the goals we have set for sustainable development. Compostela will remind me every day of this challenge.