Friday, 20 June 2008
In this edition we feature 2 articles by Marcos Sawaya Jank, President of UNICA, Brazil’s Sugar Cane Industry Association. UNICA speaks and acts in Brazil and around the world on behalf of the country’s leading sugar, ethanol and bioelectricity producers, with the mission to spearhead the transformation of the traditional sugar can industry into a modern agribusiness sector capable of competing social-environmental sustainability - www.unica.com.br
Brazil's Green Energy Revolution
by Marcos Sawaya Jank
With nearly half of all its energy produced from renewable sources, Brazil has one of the world’s cleanest energy matrixes. Sugarcane stands out as the country’s second most utilized source of green energy, slightly behind hydroelectricity. Today, sugarcane is processed to generate food, feed and energy in modern integrated bio-refineries that produce sugar, alcohol, fuel ethanol, bioelectricity and in the near future, bio-plastics.
Preliminary data shows that ethanol production in the South-Central region of Brazil reached 19.9 billion litres in the 2007/08 sugarcane harvest, 11% more than Brazil’s total output for the previous year. As in other years, Brazil’s domestic market absorbed the major portion of the ethanol produced, and projections for 2008 are promising. Thirty new plants should go on stream this year, with total investments expected to reach US$ 33 billion by 2012.
The success of Brazil’s ethanol program is driven by two main factors: mandatory blending and the success of Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). All gasoline sold is blended with 25% ethanol, and almost nine of every ten new cars sold in the Brazilian market are FFVs. By the end of 2008, 26% of Brazil’s light vehicle fleet (more than six million vehicles) will be FFVs, with the figure expected to reach 50% in 2012 and 65% in 2015. The auto industry has invested heavily in Flex technology and now offers more than 63 models at the same price as straight gasoline-powered versions.
The use of fuel ethanol is not limited to light vehicles. By mid-2008, a fleet of 17 buses running on ethanol will be launched in São Paulo as a pilot project. The environmental benefits from the introduction of biofuels in public transportation can be substantial. It’s estimated that replacing 1,000 diesel buses with ethanol-powered models would reduce CO2 emissions by 96,000 tons per year, which is equivalent to the emissions of 18,000 gasoline cars. Some motorcycles and small airplanes made in Brazil also run on ethanol.
Looking at the international market, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) welcomes recent legislative steps announced by the United States and the European Union. The new Renewable Fuels Standard adopted last December and the proposed directive on renewable energy sources submitted by the European Commission on January 23rd will consolidate the ethanol market in these two regions, opening potential opportunities for imports from Brazil.
Although 2007/08 export volumes originating in South-Central Brazil, the country’s main ethanol-producing region, are expected to be similar to the year before, the destination of Brazilian ethanol has become substantially diversified. Sales to the US have decreased as a result of increased domestic production, while exports to the European Union jumped from 230 million litres in 2006 to almost 800 million litres in 2007.
Source
Bioelectricity: the new frontier
By Marcos Sawaya Jank
Ethanol is not the only energy output obtained from sugarcane. Bioelectricity is also produced by burning the bagasse that remains after sugarcane is processed. However, much more energy could be produced if all the bagasse, as well as the straw removed from sugarcane stalks, were utilized. Because they are not, approximately two thirds of the plant’s energy potential is still underused. The composition of sugarcane is one-third juice, one-third bagasse and one-third straw. Until recently, the juice was being used to produce sugar and ethanol while only part of the bagasse was burned to generate bioelectricity. With technology improvements, ethanol will soon be produced also from the bagasse and straw though hydrolysis, both of which will also be used to generate additional bioelectricity.
In many sugarcane plantations, the straw is burned before the cane is cut to facilitate the harvest. This is a source of pollution for rural workers as well as towns and cities in the vicinity of sugarcane fields. To remedy this inconvenience, many sugar mills have subscribed to the “Green Protocol” sponsored by the Government of São Paulo state and UNICA. The protocol calls for the eradication of straw burnings by 2014 in areas where mechanized harvesting methods can be introduced and by 2017 where mechanized harvest is currently not feasible. With the harvest fully mechanized, the straw will no longer be wasted. Instead, it will be used in high efficiency boilers, along with the bagasse, allowing a growing number of sugar and ethanol plants to become bioelectricity providers to the national grid.
Today, electricity supplied by sugar and ethanol plants totals 1,800 megawatts, a modest 3% of Brazil’s overall needs. With increased use of biomass from sugarcane, it is estimated that it would be feasible to expand the use of bioelectricity to 15 percent of the country’s needs by 2015, or 11,500 megawatts. Bioenergy from sugarcane is a particularly relevant option for Brazil because the harvesting period, when more biomass is available, occurs during the dry season, when water levels are lower and hydroelectric facilities can produce less electricity. This makes the two sources of electricity complementary.
Obviously, this technological revolution based on sugarcane demands significant investments, especially to retrofit older plants with new high-pressure boilers. Still, the industry is strongly committed to expanding this new and potentially very profitable market. The sugarcane industry and the federal government are currently discussing conditions under which plants will be connected to the grids and prices to be paid for surplus electricity they produce.
A date has been set, in late April, for the first auction dedicated to bioelectricity, which should confirm its status as one of the most significant frontiers still to be explored in Brazil’s sugar and ethanol industry – one that can lead to a revolution similar in magnitude to that brought about by ethanol. Bioelectricity can strongly reduce the need to build new hydroelectric projects in environmentally sensitive regions, while helping to do away with costly and potentially harmful options like expanding nuclear power or gas, fuel oil and coal-fired thermoelectric facilities.
Source
Ethanol is not the only energy output obtained from sugarcane. Bioelectricity is also produced by burning the bagasse that remains after sugarcane is processed. However, much more energy could be produced if all the bagasse, as well as the straw removed from sugarcane stalks, were utilized. Because they are not, approximately two thirds of the plant’s energy potential is still underused. The composition of sugarcane is one-third juice, one-third bagasse and one-third straw. Until recently, the juice was being used to produce sugar and ethanol while only part of the bagasse was burned to generate bioelectricity. With technology improvements, ethanol will soon be produced also from the bagasse and straw though hydrolysis, both of which will also be used to generate additional bioelectricity.
In many sugarcane plantations, the straw is burned before the cane is cut to facilitate the harvest. This is a source of pollution for rural workers as well as towns and cities in the vicinity of sugarcane fields. To remedy this inconvenience, many sugar mills have subscribed to the “Green Protocol” sponsored by the Government of São Paulo state and UNICA. The protocol calls for the eradication of straw burnings by 2014 in areas where mechanized harvesting methods can be introduced and by 2017 where mechanized harvest is currently not feasible. With the harvest fully mechanized, the straw will no longer be wasted. Instead, it will be used in high efficiency boilers, along with the bagasse, allowing a growing number of sugar and ethanol plants to become bioelectricity providers to the national grid.
Today, electricity supplied by sugar and ethanol plants totals 1,800 megawatts, a modest 3% of Brazil’s overall needs. With increased use of biomass from sugarcane, it is estimated that it would be feasible to expand the use of bioelectricity to 15 percent of the country’s needs by 2015, or 11,500 megawatts. Bioenergy from sugarcane is a particularly relevant option for Brazil because the harvesting period, when more biomass is available, occurs during the dry season, when water levels are lower and hydroelectric facilities can produce less electricity. This makes the two sources of electricity complementary.
Obviously, this technological revolution based on sugarcane demands significant investments, especially to retrofit older plants with new high-pressure boilers. Still, the industry is strongly committed to expanding this new and potentially very profitable market. The sugarcane industry and the federal government are currently discussing conditions under which plants will be connected to the grids and prices to be paid for surplus electricity they produce.
A date has been set, in late April, for the first auction dedicated to bioelectricity, which should confirm its status as one of the most significant frontiers still to be explored in Brazil’s sugar and ethanol industry – one that can lead to a revolution similar in magnitude to that brought about by ethanol. Bioelectricity can strongly reduce the need to build new hydroelectric projects in environmentally sensitive regions, while helping to do away with costly and potentially harmful options like expanding nuclear power or gas, fuel oil and coal-fired thermoelectric facilities.
Source
Economy: Brazil leads investment flow in Latin America
São Paulo – Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Latin America and the Caribbean were record last year, reaching almost US$ 106 billion, according to figures disclosed on Thursday (8th) by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (Eclac), an organisation connected to the United Nations (UN).
According to the organisation, the previous record had been in 1999, when the investment flow reached US$ 89 billion, boosted by privatisation processes of state-owned companies in the region. Last year, however, the factors that attracted foreign funds were the growth of the local economies and the strong global demand for natural resources produced here.
The entry of FDI into Latin America and the Caribbean in 2007 was 46% over the volume that came to the region in 2006, the largest increase among developing nations, according to the Eclac. The main receiver of funds last year, however, was Asia, which received 55% of the total turned to developing economies. Latin America came in second place, with 21%.
Brazil was the country in the region that received the largest volume of funds in 2007, a total of US$ 34.6 billion, 84% more than in the previous year. According to the Eclac, the sector that received the largest volume of investment was the service sector, followed by the transformation industry and exploration of natural resources.
Mergers and acquisitions of companies also played an important part in the entry of funds. Among the main operations in the region in 2007, the Eclac mentions the purchase of shares of ArcelorMittal Brazil by the ArcelorMittal head office, in India, for the value of US$ 1.18 billion, the purchase of financial information company Serasa by the Irish Experian Group, for US$ 1.2 billion, the acquisition of mining company MMX Minas-Rio by Anglo American, from the United Kingdom, for US$ 1.15 billion, and the purchase of retail chain Atacadão by French retail chain Carrefour for US$ 1.1 billion.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico were responsible for 90% of the growth in FDI flow to the region, according to the Eclac. Mexico was in second place among the receivers, with inflow of US$ 23.23 billion, followed by Chile, with US$ 14.46 billion and Colombia, with US$ 9.03 billion.
If in the case of Brazil, the service sector was the one that received the largest volume of foreign funds, in Chile and Colombia the largest inflow was into the oil and gas area. In Mexico, the main destination for investment was the transformation industry.
The main origins of funds invested in the region were the United States, the Netherlands and Spain.
On the other lane, foreign direct investment by nations in Latin America amounted to US$ 20.62 billion last year, less than half of the US$ 42 billion in 2006. Brazil once again led as the origin of funds, with US$ 7.07 billion in investment in 2007, but much less than the US$ 28.2 billion in the previous year. The figures for 2006, however, were greatly influenced by the purchase of Canadian mining company Inco by the Brazilian Vale do Rio Doce.
Last year, the main acquisitions made by Brazilian companies abroad were the purchase of the North American Chaparral Steel and Quanex Corporation by ironworks Gerdau, for the value of US$ 5.4 billion, the acquisition of US slaughterhouse Swift & Co. by JBS-Friboi group for US$ 1.4 billion and acquisitions in the area of services for the petrochemical industry by GP Investments for US$ 1 billion in Argentina and in other nations.
Source
According to the organisation, the previous record had been in 1999, when the investment flow reached US$ 89 billion, boosted by privatisation processes of state-owned companies in the region. Last year, however, the factors that attracted foreign funds were the growth of the local economies and the strong global demand for natural resources produced here.
The entry of FDI into Latin America and the Caribbean in 2007 was 46% over the volume that came to the region in 2006, the largest increase among developing nations, according to the Eclac. The main receiver of funds last year, however, was Asia, which received 55% of the total turned to developing economies. Latin America came in second place, with 21%.
Brazil was the country in the region that received the largest volume of funds in 2007, a total of US$ 34.6 billion, 84% more than in the previous year. According to the Eclac, the sector that received the largest volume of investment was the service sector, followed by the transformation industry and exploration of natural resources.
Mergers and acquisitions of companies also played an important part in the entry of funds. Among the main operations in the region in 2007, the Eclac mentions the purchase of shares of ArcelorMittal Brazil by the ArcelorMittal head office, in India, for the value of US$ 1.18 billion, the purchase of financial information company Serasa by the Irish Experian Group, for US$ 1.2 billion, the acquisition of mining company MMX Minas-Rio by Anglo American, from the United Kingdom, for US$ 1.15 billion, and the purchase of retail chain Atacadão by French retail chain Carrefour for US$ 1.1 billion.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico were responsible for 90% of the growth in FDI flow to the region, according to the Eclac. Mexico was in second place among the receivers, with inflow of US$ 23.23 billion, followed by Chile, with US$ 14.46 billion and Colombia, with US$ 9.03 billion.
If in the case of Brazil, the service sector was the one that received the largest volume of foreign funds, in Chile and Colombia the largest inflow was into the oil and gas area. In Mexico, the main destination for investment was the transformation industry.
The main origins of funds invested in the region were the United States, the Netherlands and Spain.
On the other lane, foreign direct investment by nations in Latin America amounted to US$ 20.62 billion last year, less than half of the US$ 42 billion in 2006. Brazil once again led as the origin of funds, with US$ 7.07 billion in investment in 2007, but much less than the US$ 28.2 billion in the previous year. The figures for 2006, however, were greatly influenced by the purchase of Canadian mining company Inco by the Brazilian Vale do Rio Doce.
Last year, the main acquisitions made by Brazilian companies abroad were the purchase of the North American Chaparral Steel and Quanex Corporation by ironworks Gerdau, for the value of US$ 5.4 billion, the acquisition of US slaughterhouse Swift & Co. by JBS-Friboi group for US$ 1.4 billion and acquisitions in the area of services for the petrochemical industry by GP Investments for US$ 1 billion in Argentina and in other nations.
Source
World Bank to loan US$ 7 billion to Brazil
Brasília – Less large loans for the federal government and more small and medium loans for state governments, with emphasis on investment in infrastructure and on the reduction of inequality. This is the strategy that should guide the US$ 7 billion loan that the World Bank (IBRD) should grant Brazil up to 2011. The contract had its guidelines approved last week by the Executive Board at the Bank, in United States capital Washington D.C.
According to the IBRD, 70% of the financing should be turned to states. The projects to have priority will be those considered "daring", but with "modest financial volume". The preference will be for projects that contribute to the improvement of quality of public spending (with stimulation to investment in infrastructure and education), the reduction of income inequality between the Northeast and the rest of Brazil and the fight against deforestation in the Amazon.
These objectives, according to the document, have already been defined by the Federal Government in actions like the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC). According to the IBRD, the next financing should focus on the current government agenda of priorities, instead of trying to identify new needs.
The IBRD has also agreed to export to other developing nations experiences that proved successful in Brazil. The document mentions fiscal federalism (the sharing of taxes between the Union, states and cities), biofuels and clean energy, the fight against Aids and income transfer programs as examples of actions that may be applied to other countries.
The document, pointed out the World Bank, was elaborated based on enquiries with representatives of the Federal Government, states, cities, the Legislative Power, environmental and social movements as well as the private sector.
The bank's Executive Board has already approved the first loans to Brazil under the new criteria. In all, the loans total US$ 1.6 billion to two states and to the Ministry of Health.
One of the loans granted was for the Partnership Program for the Development of Minas Gerais, which received US$ 976 million to promote the actions for growth of the state and for reduction of poverty. The other, for the value of 550 million reals, was for improvement of the train and subway system in the metropolitan region of São Paulo.
The request for the loan for the Ministry of Health approved by the bank was for the Expansion Project for the Family Health Program, to receive US$ 84 million for the expansion of medical services to people with disabilities who find access to hospitals difficult and to reduce infant mortality.
Source
According to the IBRD, 70% of the financing should be turned to states. The projects to have priority will be those considered "daring", but with "modest financial volume". The preference will be for projects that contribute to the improvement of quality of public spending (with stimulation to investment in infrastructure and education), the reduction of income inequality between the Northeast and the rest of Brazil and the fight against deforestation in the Amazon.
These objectives, according to the document, have already been defined by the Federal Government in actions like the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC). According to the IBRD, the next financing should focus on the current government agenda of priorities, instead of trying to identify new needs.
The IBRD has also agreed to export to other developing nations experiences that proved successful in Brazil. The document mentions fiscal federalism (the sharing of taxes between the Union, states and cities), biofuels and clean energy, the fight against Aids and income transfer programs as examples of actions that may be applied to other countries.
The document, pointed out the World Bank, was elaborated based on enquiries with representatives of the Federal Government, states, cities, the Legislative Power, environmental and social movements as well as the private sector.
The bank's Executive Board has already approved the first loans to Brazil under the new criteria. In all, the loans total US$ 1.6 billion to two states and to the Ministry of Health.
One of the loans granted was for the Partnership Program for the Development of Minas Gerais, which received US$ 976 million to promote the actions for growth of the state and for reduction of poverty. The other, for the value of 550 million reals, was for improvement of the train and subway system in the metropolitan region of São Paulo.
The request for the loan for the Ministry of Health approved by the bank was for the Expansion Project for the Family Health Program, to receive US$ 84 million for the expansion of medical services to people with disabilities who find access to hospitals difficult and to reduce infant mortality.
Source
Agribusiness: Brazilian crops this year should be 7.2% larger than 2007's
Rio de Janeiro – Brazilian grain production should total 142.6 million tonnes in 2008. The result is 1.5% higher than the one forecasted in March (140.5 million) and 7.2% greater than production obtained in 2007, which was 133.1 million tonnes. The data from the Systematic Survey of Agricultural Production (LSPA) were disclosed today (8th) by the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics (IBGE).
The expected rise in wheat production (12.4%) and in the second crop of maize is responsible for the 2.1 million additional tonnes in the IBGE estimate, which is the fourth disclosed this year.
Planted area in 2008 should total 46.8 million hectares, representing growth of 3.2% compared with last year. Soy (21.2 million hectares), maize (14.5 million hectares) and rice (2.9 million hectares) should have the largest planted areas. These products answer to 90.6% of the estimated national grain production.
According to the IBGE survey, the largest production estimate is for the Southern Region, at 61 million tonnes; the region should be followed by the Midwest, at 49.2 million; Southeast, at 16.7 million; Northeast, at 12 million; and North, at 3.8 million.
According to the Systematic Survey of Agricultural Production, between the years of 1980 and 2008, production "increased more significantly than did planted area, attesting to the fact that technological advances have led to a rise in average yield."
The IBGE also highlights the fact that, in 2003, production surpassed 100 million tonnes of grain, having totaled 123.6 million tonnes, a record that was broken in 2007 (133.1 million tonnes) and should be overcome in 2008 (142.6 million tonnes).
The National Food Supply Company (Conab) also disclosed today, in the Brazilian capital Brasilia, its estimate for the 2007/2008 crop, which is 142.03 million tonnes of grain. The Conab and the IBGE are working together to reduce the difference between crop projections.
Source
The expected rise in wheat production (12.4%) and in the second crop of maize is responsible for the 2.1 million additional tonnes in the IBGE estimate, which is the fourth disclosed this year.
Planted area in 2008 should total 46.8 million hectares, representing growth of 3.2% compared with last year. Soy (21.2 million hectares), maize (14.5 million hectares) and rice (2.9 million hectares) should have the largest planted areas. These products answer to 90.6% of the estimated national grain production.
According to the IBGE survey, the largest production estimate is for the Southern Region, at 61 million tonnes; the region should be followed by the Midwest, at 49.2 million; Southeast, at 16.7 million; Northeast, at 12 million; and North, at 3.8 million.
According to the Systematic Survey of Agricultural Production, between the years of 1980 and 2008, production "increased more significantly than did planted area, attesting to the fact that technological advances have led to a rise in average yield."
The IBGE also highlights the fact that, in 2003, production surpassed 100 million tonnes of grain, having totaled 123.6 million tonnes, a record that was broken in 2007 (133.1 million tonnes) and should be overcome in 2008 (142.6 million tonnes).
The National Food Supply Company (Conab) also disclosed today, in the Brazilian capital Brasilia, its estimate for the 2007/2008 crop, which is 142.03 million tonnes of grain. The Conab and the IBGE are working together to reduce the difference between crop projections.
Source
Beef exports surpass US$ 2 billion
São Paulo – Brazilian beef exports totaled US$ 2.06 billion from January to May, representing growth of 10.4% over the same period last year. A total of 920,860 tonnes were shipped, decrease of 20.27% using the same basis for comparison. The figures were disclosed yesterday (10th) by the Brazilian Beef Industry and Exporters Association (Abiec).
According to the new president at Abiec, Roberto Giannetti da Fonseca, who assumed the position a week ago, for the first time in the sector's history, revenues from beef exports surpassed US$ 2 billion in the period ranging from January to May. "We have lost quantity, but gained value," he claimed. According to the president, the main causes for the decrease in volume were the European embargo on Brazilian beef and the increase in the product's prices, which led to a reduction in demand. "Our cattle supply has decreased, 15 kilograms of beef are now worth from 80 to 90 reals (approximately US$ 49 to 55), whereas last year it was worth 55 reals (US$ 33)," he claimed.
Brazilian beef is already exported to 150 different countries, and the Abiec is working to open up new markets and diversify the product in emerging countries. "We are leaders in the global market," stated Giannetti. According to him, for every three kilograms of beef exported worldwide, one kilogram comes from Brazil.
The leading market for Brazilian raw beef from January to May was Russia, which imported 243,450 tonnes, resulting in revenues of US$ 570.62 million. Next comes Venezuela, with revenues of US$ 112.88 million and a volume of 47,750 tonnes. Third in the ranking is Hong Kong, which imported US$ 100 million and 46,410 tonnes.
In May, foreign beef sales totalled US$ 478 million, representing growth of 7.7% in comparison with the same month last year. Shipments totalled 197,520, decrease of 25.75% using the same basis for comparison.
Source
According to the new president at Abiec, Roberto Giannetti da Fonseca, who assumed the position a week ago, for the first time in the sector's history, revenues from beef exports surpassed US$ 2 billion in the period ranging from January to May. "We have lost quantity, but gained value," he claimed. According to the president, the main causes for the decrease in volume were the European embargo on Brazilian beef and the increase in the product's prices, which led to a reduction in demand. "Our cattle supply has decreased, 15 kilograms of beef are now worth from 80 to 90 reals (approximately US$ 49 to 55), whereas last year it was worth 55 reals (US$ 33)," he claimed.
Brazilian beef is already exported to 150 different countries, and the Abiec is working to open up new markets and diversify the product in emerging countries. "We are leaders in the global market," stated Giannetti. According to him, for every three kilograms of beef exported worldwide, one kilogram comes from Brazil.
The leading market for Brazilian raw beef from January to May was Russia, which imported 243,450 tonnes, resulting in revenues of US$ 570.62 million. Next comes Venezuela, with revenues of US$ 112.88 million and a volume of 47,750 tonnes. Third in the ranking is Hong Kong, which imported US$ 100 million and 46,410 tonnes.
In May, foreign beef sales totalled US$ 478 million, representing growth of 7.7% in comparison with the same month last year. Shipments totalled 197,520, decrease of 25.75% using the same basis for comparison.
Source
JBS Friboi buys Australia's Tasman Group
Australia's Tasman Group, the country's largest meat processor, has sold its business to Swift Australia, a subsidiary of JBS Friboi, the world's biggest beef producer.
Brazil-based JBS has also acquired two US companies, Smithfield Beef Group and National Beef Packing Co.
JBS has purchased the three companies for a total of A$1.4 billion.
"Notwithstanding its strong financial position, the owners believed that substantial capital was needed to take the business to the next stage and give the business and its brands a national and international footprint", said Joe Catalfamo, a major shareholder in Tasman.
"Swift has the financial resources, the operational expertise and the international markets to grow and take the business to the next level.
"Swift will be able to carry our Tasman vision forward, significantly expand plants and value adding capacity and increase the current presence of "King Island beef" and Tasman's other brands in national and international markets."
With its acquisition, Swift will operate a total of 10 processing operations in Australia. The combined workforce in Australia will be in excess of 7000.
Source
Brazil-based JBS has also acquired two US companies, Smithfield Beef Group and National Beef Packing Co.
JBS has purchased the three companies for a total of A$1.4 billion.
"Notwithstanding its strong financial position, the owners believed that substantial capital was needed to take the business to the next stage and give the business and its brands a national and international footprint", said Joe Catalfamo, a major shareholder in Tasman.
"Swift has the financial resources, the operational expertise and the international markets to grow and take the business to the next level.
"Swift will be able to carry our Tasman vision forward, significantly expand plants and value adding capacity and increase the current presence of "King Island beef" and Tasman's other brands in national and international markets."
With its acquisition, Swift will operate a total of 10 processing operations in Australia. The combined workforce in Australia will be in excess of 7000.
Source
Brazil’s Southern farmers improving lamb’s quality
São Paulo – The southernmost Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul is working to give more quality to its lamb and increase the market for the product. A group of 40 farmers is conducting a pilot program, coordinated by local organisations, with the objective of selling higher value-added mutton. A total of 5,000 animals, from farms in the southeast, west and centre of the state are part of the project.
In all, 3,000 lambs have already been delivered to a slaughterhouse in the same state and slaughtered. The price paid for the animals was 10% to 20% higher than that of regular meat in the western region of the state. The information was supplied by the regional manager of the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae) for Bovine and Ovine Farming in the Southwest and Western Border of Rio Grande do Sul, Lemar Maciel Rocha.
The program started being implemented in October this year. In October next year, when the program will have completed a year of existence, the numbers of participating farmers and of animals involved should have increased. According to Rocha, this year the meat was sold to a company in the same state, but the idea is for it to be traded in the national market, and in other countries as well, in the long term.
Arab countries, for example, are large consumers of mutton. "Should the production increase, then we will be able to negotiate and reach that market," states Rocha. The Sebrae is one of the organisations that carries out the program, which is part of a greater project entitled "Together to Compete" (Juntos para Competir), alongside the Federation of Agriculture of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Farsul) and the National Service of Rural Education (Senar).
The product is sold jointly by the farmers. Animals are delivered for slaughter with earrings. Periodic meetings and technical visits are also with up to one year of age, and weighing from 25 to 40 kilograms. The carcass weighs from 13 to 18 kilograms and the fat score ranges from 2.5 to 3. The program encompasses all types of races, and the animals are fed both native grass and food complements. This, according to Rocha, enables a supply of animals available for slaughter throughout the entire year.
In the beginning of the program, all of the participating lambs were identified with plates. The farmers involved in the project received previous training from Sebrae, in the management field, and from Senar, in the technical field. The Brazilian Ovine Farmers Association (Arco) is also a partner in the program, and helped identify the animals.
From each animal sold, the equivalent to one kilogram in live weight goes to a marketing fund, instead of going to the farmer. The same value is discounted from the earnings of the industry that buys the meat, and from retail stores that are partners in the project. The money, according to Rocha, is used for advertising mutton and its quality program.
Source
In all, 3,000 lambs have already been delivered to a slaughterhouse in the same state and slaughtered. The price paid for the animals was 10% to 20% higher than that of regular meat in the western region of the state. The information was supplied by the regional manager of the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae) for Bovine and Ovine Farming in the Southwest and Western Border of Rio Grande do Sul, Lemar Maciel Rocha.
The program started being implemented in October this year. In October next year, when the program will have completed a year of existence, the numbers of participating farmers and of animals involved should have increased. According to Rocha, this year the meat was sold to a company in the same state, but the idea is for it to be traded in the national market, and in other countries as well, in the long term.
Arab countries, for example, are large consumers of mutton. "Should the production increase, then we will be able to negotiate and reach that market," states Rocha. The Sebrae is one of the organisations that carries out the program, which is part of a greater project entitled "Together to Compete" (Juntos para Competir), alongside the Federation of Agriculture of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Farsul) and the National Service of Rural Education (Senar).
The product is sold jointly by the farmers. Animals are delivered for slaughter with earrings. Periodic meetings and technical visits are also with up to one year of age, and weighing from 25 to 40 kilograms. The carcass weighs from 13 to 18 kilograms and the fat score ranges from 2.5 to 3. The program encompasses all types of races, and the animals are fed both native grass and food complements. This, according to Rocha, enables a supply of animals available for slaughter throughout the entire year.
In the beginning of the program, all of the participating lambs were identified with plates. The farmers involved in the project received previous training from Sebrae, in the management field, and from Senar, in the technical field. The Brazilian Ovine Farmers Association (Arco) is also a partner in the program, and helped identify the animals.
From each animal sold, the equivalent to one kilogram in live weight goes to a marketing fund, instead of going to the farmer. The same value is discounted from the earnings of the industry that buys the meat, and from retail stores that are partners in the project. The money, according to Rocha, is used for advertising mutton and its quality program.
Source
Manufacturing: Aircraft manufacturer Embraer's quarterly revenues grow 32%
São Paulo – Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer posted growth of 32% in net revenues in the first quarter this year, compared with the same period last year. It totaled 2.3 billion reals (US$ 1.3 billion) whereas between January and March 2007 it was 1.7 billion reals (US$ 1 billion). A press release issued by the company explains that the growth happened as a result of the greater number of deliveries, of the mix of products delivered and of the reduction in the exchange rates.
The company's net profit reached 63.4 million reals (US$ 38.1 million), growth of 8.4%. During the same months in 2007, net profit was 58.5 million reals (US$ 35.2 million). The company's firm order backlog closed the first quarter this year on a record high value of US$ 20.3 billion. The company explains that this is mostly due to orders for aircraft of the Embraer 170/190 family, for which there are 835 firm orders and 840 purchase options.
Embraer delivered 45 jets for business and executive aviation between last January and March. The figure increased significantly in comparison with the same months of 2007, when 25 aircraft were delivered. In 2008, the company intends to deliver from 195 to 200 aircraft, as well as 10 to 15 Phenom 100 jets, which should receive certification in the second half this year, according to company forecasts.
In the first quarter this year, Embraer was informed of firm orders to be placed by new customers, such as Air Moldova, from Moldavia, Jetscape, from the United States, and Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, a new Brazilian airline. Companies that already operate with Embraer aircraft, Finnair, from Finland, and Lot Polish Airlines, from Poland, placed new orders as well. Options were also converted into firm orders by airlines Virgin Blue, from Australia, Egypt Air, from Egypt, and M1 Travel, from Switzerland.
The company's operational expenses totaled 301.3 million reals (US$ 181.3 million), growth of 3%. Commercial expenses rose 3.1%, closing at 165 million reals (US$ 99.3 million). Management expenses saw a reduction of 2.1% and totaled 93 million reals (US$ 55.9 million). In March, the company should conclude the repurchase of 16,800,000 of its own shares, for an average price of 19.06 reals (US$ 11.47), representing disbursement of 302 million reals (US$ 181.7 million).
Embraer is a leading manufacturer of business jet aircraft with up to 120 seats, and one of the largest exporter companies in Brazil. It is headquartered in the city of São José dos Campos, in the interior of the state of São Paulo (SE Brazil), and owns offices and operations in the United States, France, Portugal, China and Singapore, as well as Brazil. By late March, the company had 23,878 employees.
Source
The company's net profit reached 63.4 million reals (US$ 38.1 million), growth of 8.4%. During the same months in 2007, net profit was 58.5 million reals (US$ 35.2 million). The company's firm order backlog closed the first quarter this year on a record high value of US$ 20.3 billion. The company explains that this is mostly due to orders for aircraft of the Embraer 170/190 family, for which there are 835 firm orders and 840 purchase options.
Embraer delivered 45 jets for business and executive aviation between last January and March. The figure increased significantly in comparison with the same months of 2007, when 25 aircraft were delivered. In 2008, the company intends to deliver from 195 to 200 aircraft, as well as 10 to 15 Phenom 100 jets, which should receive certification in the second half this year, according to company forecasts.
In the first quarter this year, Embraer was informed of firm orders to be placed by new customers, such as Air Moldova, from Moldavia, Jetscape, from the United States, and Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, a new Brazilian airline. Companies that already operate with Embraer aircraft, Finnair, from Finland, and Lot Polish Airlines, from Poland, placed new orders as well. Options were also converted into firm orders by airlines Virgin Blue, from Australia, Egypt Air, from Egypt, and M1 Travel, from Switzerland.
The company's operational expenses totaled 301.3 million reals (US$ 181.3 million), growth of 3%. Commercial expenses rose 3.1%, closing at 165 million reals (US$ 99.3 million). Management expenses saw a reduction of 2.1% and totaled 93 million reals (US$ 55.9 million). In March, the company should conclude the repurchase of 16,800,000 of its own shares, for an average price of 19.06 reals (US$ 11.47), representing disbursement of 302 million reals (US$ 181.7 million).
Embraer is a leading manufacturer of business jet aircraft with up to 120 seats, and one of the largest exporter companies in Brazil. It is headquartered in the city of São José dos Campos, in the interior of the state of São Paulo (SE Brazil), and owns offices and operations in the United States, France, Portugal, China and Singapore, as well as Brazil. By late March, the company had 23,878 employees.
Source
Energy: Embraer Sells Its 50th Ethanol-Powered Ipanema Crop Duster
Neiva, a subsidiary of Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer, recently delivered its 50th ethanol-powered Ipanema, a low-wing agricultural monoplane. Since 1973, Neiva has sold over 1,000 of the crop dusters, most of them in the Latin American market. The company began selling ethanol versions of the plane in 2002, which makes sense, considering that Brazil is one of the top ethanol producers in the world.
Embraer also has been selling ethanol conversion kits for customers who purchased earlier versions of the plane. The kits, manufactured by Textron Lycoming, sell for $240,000. Embraer says that in addition to reducing fuel costs, converting an Ipanema to ethanol cuts maintenance and operating costs by 20%.
Exploration of alternative fuels has renewed focus on the Ipanema, which was the first aircraft in the world certified for ethanol operations. Embraer, which also manufacturers regional and executive jets, says that it is spending $250 million to investigate alternative jet fuels made from babassu, jathopa (a drought resistant shrub), and algae. According to Runway Girl, Embaer's environmental chief thinks algae might have the best shot.
Source: http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/04/embraer-sells-i.html
Pacific Hydro’s Millennium Wind Farm
Millennium Wind Farm is Pacific Hydro's first renewable energy development in Brazil. Located in the state of Paraiba in northeast Brazil, the site was an ideal location with strong coastal winds, large land area for wind generator placement, easy access for construction vehicles and machinery as well as ready connection to the Electricity Grid.
Each year the project generates enough clean electricity to power 40,000 homes and avoids the emission of 30,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution.
The A$32 million project has already made a significant contribution to the local economy with the 13 Enercon wind generators manufactured locally by Wobben, an Enercon subsidiary in Brazil.
The energy from the wind farm is sold under a long term sales agreement to Eletrobrás, the Brazilian state-owned generation, transmission and distribution business.
With excellent wind resources, a rapidly growing economy and strong government incentives for renewable energy projects, Brazil presents fantastic opportunities for wind farm development. And with 10 per cent of all Brazil's energy to come from renewable sources by 2020, this gentle breeze of change will soon be a powerful gale.
As the first wind farm developer in Brazil, Pacific Hydro is set to be a major player in this clean, green future. They have plans to develop up to 300MW of new wind farms in the country's northeast. This will not only assist Brazil in meeting its growing energy demand, but will also help support its growing economy in a sustainable manner.
With Brazil having ratified the Kyoto Protocol and with a strong policy framework to support the implementation of renewable energy, the market provides enormous opportunities for Pacific Hydro to expand its Latin American operations and diversify its portfolio of projects.
Pacific Hydro’s acquisition of SES Ltda follows the announcement by the Brazilian Government to introduce a policy framework (known as “PROINFA” to increase renewable energy in the country to 10% by 2020).
While the Brazilian market is currently hydro-dominated, it has excellent wind resources like Australia. This acquisition will see them investing more than half a billion Australian dollars in the coming years to develop over 300MW of clean energy assets in Brazil.
Source
Oil & Gas:Gas-powered vehicle fleet to grow 10% in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro – Brazil should record a 10% growth in its fleet of vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) this year. The information was supplied by the coordinator at the CNG committee of the Brazilian Institute of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (IBP), Rosalino Fernandes. Last year, the total number of natural gas-powered vehicles grew 14%.
According to data for April this year, the southeastern Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro hosts the majority (655,540 vehicles) of the country's CNG-powered vehicle fleet, which totals 1,541 million. Second is the state of São Paulo (SE), with 377,416 vehicles. According to the IBP, approximately 10% of the world's total natural gas-powered vehicle fleet is in Rio de Janeiro.
The coordinator for Compressed Natural Gas at the IBP stated that the reduction in the CNG market growth expectation this year is a consequence of the power supply crisis that took place in late 2007, when the country had to resort to gas-fired thermoelectric power in order to avoid a power shortage, in the face of low water volumes at reservoirs. That led the market to retract.
"That is affecting market demand for CNG in the market to this day. But the situation tends to improve, because (Brazilian state-owned oil company) Petrobras is going to make available a greater amount of natural gas coming from the Campos Basin (Rio), which should total 30 million cubic metres per day," asserted Fernandes.
Furthermore, Petrobras is now receiving 28 million cubic meters/day of natural gas from Bolivia. That yields a total of 58 million cubic meters/day of gas to cater to all natural gas segments, including CNG, thermoelectric plants, households, industry, and retail. CNG consumption alone is 6.9 million cubic meters/day.
Therefore, according to Rosalino Fernandes, there is a surplus of 8 million cubic meters/day of natural gas, out of the total made available by Petrobras. "This is great news. We have a supply of gas that is greater than the market demand. Also, Petrobras should start supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) as of July. That LNG should go to thermoelectric plants. There will no longer be a crisis like that of November 2007, when LNG projects had not yet been executed and were not available. Thus, the situation should improve in 2008," he asserted.
Fernandes ensured that the outlook is optimistic from now on. He claimed that the market tends to forget the crisis of 2007, gradually increasing CNG demand. The global CNG market and the industry trends will be the theme of the 11th International CNG Congress, which the IBP and the International Association for Natural Gas Vehicles (IANGV) will promote beginning tomorrow (3rd) at the Sul América Convention Centre, in Cidade Nova, Rio de Janeiro.
Source
According to data for April this year, the southeastern Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro hosts the majority (655,540 vehicles) of the country's CNG-powered vehicle fleet, which totals 1,541 million. Second is the state of São Paulo (SE), with 377,416 vehicles. According to the IBP, approximately 10% of the world's total natural gas-powered vehicle fleet is in Rio de Janeiro.
The coordinator for Compressed Natural Gas at the IBP stated that the reduction in the CNG market growth expectation this year is a consequence of the power supply crisis that took place in late 2007, when the country had to resort to gas-fired thermoelectric power in order to avoid a power shortage, in the face of low water volumes at reservoirs. That led the market to retract.
"That is affecting market demand for CNG in the market to this day. But the situation tends to improve, because (Brazilian state-owned oil company) Petrobras is going to make available a greater amount of natural gas coming from the Campos Basin (Rio), which should total 30 million cubic metres per day," asserted Fernandes.
Furthermore, Petrobras is now receiving 28 million cubic meters/day of natural gas from Bolivia. That yields a total of 58 million cubic meters/day of gas to cater to all natural gas segments, including CNG, thermoelectric plants, households, industry, and retail. CNG consumption alone is 6.9 million cubic meters/day.
Therefore, according to Rosalino Fernandes, there is a surplus of 8 million cubic meters/day of natural gas, out of the total made available by Petrobras. "This is great news. We have a supply of gas that is greater than the market demand. Also, Petrobras should start supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) as of July. That LNG should go to thermoelectric plants. There will no longer be a crisis like that of November 2007, when LNG projects had not yet been executed and were not available. Thus, the situation should improve in 2008," he asserted.
Fernandes ensured that the outlook is optimistic from now on. He claimed that the market tends to forget the crisis of 2007, gradually increasing CNG demand. The global CNG market and the industry trends will be the theme of the 11th International CNG Congress, which the IBP and the International Association for Natural Gas Vehicles (IANGV) will promote beginning tomorrow (3rd) at the Sul América Convention Centre, in Cidade Nova, Rio de Janeiro.
Source
Petrobras alcohol pipeline to start operating in 2009
Rio de Janeiro – Petrobras president José Sérgio Gabrielli said yesterday (26) that the company plans to have its first alcohol pipeline operating by the end of 2009. The most advanced project is the one connecting the cities of Senador Cañedo (in the midwestern Brazilian state of Goiás) to Paulínia (in the southeastern São Paulo), with a length of 1,150 kilometers and estimated cost of US$ 1 billion.
The objective is to transfer ethanol production from the midwestern region of the country through the city of Uberaba, in the southeastern Minas Gerais, and Ribeirão Preto and Guararema (in São Paulo state). From the latter, the pipeline should follow on to São Sebastião, on the North shore of São Paulo, and from there to Ilha d'Água terminal in Rio de Janeiro.
"We are currently working on several phases of this pipeline and believe that the first phases should be operating by the end of 2009," forecasted Gabrielli, during a ceremony for the release of the Program for Modernization and Expansion of the Fleet of Support Vessels and of the second phase of the Program for Modernization of the Tanker Fleet.
"Petrobras has a very clear strategy of becoming a great international player in the trade and logistics of ethanol. With this, we are establishing an export program, mainly to Japan, establishing logistics chains to take the product from the new areas to ports, through two large alcohol pipelines," said Gabrielli.
The project, whose execution will be the responsibility of Petrobras, also includes a stretch connecting the Tietê-Paraná Waterway to Paulínia Terminal. The initiative is based on an agreement signed in February this year between the Brazilian state-owned company, the Japanese Mitsui and Brazilian construction company Camargo Corrêa, which resulted in the establishment of company PMCC Alcohol Transport Projects S.A., which will be responsible for the conceptual and basic phases of the pipeline.
According to the Business Plan, Petrobras plans to invest approximately US$ 700 million in projects and infrastructure for export of 4,7 billion litres of ethanol by 2012
The company is also going to prioritise investment in research and development in the second technological generation of ethanol, based on studies by the Petrobras Research Centre on lignocellulose (production of alcohol from cellulose).
Brazil is in the second position among the main global producers of ethanol. The country produces 22 billion litres of the product each year.
Source
The objective is to transfer ethanol production from the midwestern region of the country through the city of Uberaba, in the southeastern Minas Gerais, and Ribeirão Preto and Guararema (in São Paulo state). From the latter, the pipeline should follow on to São Sebastião, on the North shore of São Paulo, and from there to Ilha d'Água terminal in Rio de Janeiro.
"We are currently working on several phases of this pipeline and believe that the first phases should be operating by the end of 2009," forecasted Gabrielli, during a ceremony for the release of the Program for Modernization and Expansion of the Fleet of Support Vessels and of the second phase of the Program for Modernization of the Tanker Fleet.
"Petrobras has a very clear strategy of becoming a great international player in the trade and logistics of ethanol. With this, we are establishing an export program, mainly to Japan, establishing logistics chains to take the product from the new areas to ports, through two large alcohol pipelines," said Gabrielli.
The project, whose execution will be the responsibility of Petrobras, also includes a stretch connecting the Tietê-Paraná Waterway to Paulínia Terminal. The initiative is based on an agreement signed in February this year between the Brazilian state-owned company, the Japanese Mitsui and Brazilian construction company Camargo Corrêa, which resulted in the establishment of company PMCC Alcohol Transport Projects S.A., which will be responsible for the conceptual and basic phases of the pipeline.
According to the Business Plan, Petrobras plans to invest approximately US$ 700 million in projects and infrastructure for export of 4,7 billion litres of ethanol by 2012
The company is also going to prioritise investment in research and development in the second technological generation of ethanol, based on studies by the Petrobras Research Centre on lignocellulose (production of alcohol from cellulose).
Brazil is in the second position among the main global producers of ethanol. The country produces 22 billion litres of the product each year.
Source
Mining:GRD Minproc: Niquel do Vermelho Project (Vale - Brazil)
Following completion of the Niquel do Vermelho feasibility studies by GRD Minproc, Vale awarded GRD Minproc the EPCM contract for it's A$1.6 billion (US$1.2 billion) nickel laterite project in Brasil.
Located in the northern Brasilian state of Para in the Carajas region, the Niquel do Vermelho project will produce 46,000 tonnes of nickel cathode, 2,800 tonnes of cobalt cathode and 500 tonnes of copper per annum.
GRD Minproc has appointed Minerconsult Engenharia and PROJETEC Projetos E Tecnologia Ltda, as local contractors to provide in country support for the Niquel do Vermelho project.
Production is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2008.
The engineering, procurement and construction management for the project implementation will be based in Belo Horizonte, close to Vale's project and research facilities. The project team is expected to peak at approximately 450 people, mostly located in Belo Horizonte, with the remainder being on site to supervise the construction. The construction workforce on site is expected to peak at around 5,000 people.
GRD Minproc has been associated with the project since November 2002 when it was appointed by Vale to conduct studies to determine preferred flowsheets for the project. Following the successful completion of this work, Vale selected the mixed hydroxide precipitation route and in 2003, Vale engaged GRD Minproc to conduct the engineering and estimating components of a pre-feasibility study and then a final feasibility study to investigate the viability of the project. The completion of the feasibility study in March 2005 led to the approval of the project by the Board of Vale and the award of the EPCM contract to GRD Minproc.
Source
Located in the northern Brasilian state of Para in the Carajas region, the Niquel do Vermelho project will produce 46,000 tonnes of nickel cathode, 2,800 tonnes of cobalt cathode and 500 tonnes of copper per annum.
GRD Minproc has appointed Minerconsult Engenharia and PROJETEC Projetos E Tecnologia Ltda, as local contractors to provide in country support for the Niquel do Vermelho project.
Production is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2008.
The engineering, procurement and construction management for the project implementation will be based in Belo Horizonte, close to Vale's project and research facilities. The project team is expected to peak at approximately 450 people, mostly located in Belo Horizonte, with the remainder being on site to supervise the construction. The construction workforce on site is expected to peak at around 5,000 people.
GRD Minproc has been associated with the project since November 2002 when it was appointed by Vale to conduct studies to determine preferred flowsheets for the project. Following the successful completion of this work, Vale selected the mixed hydroxide precipitation route and in 2003, Vale engaged GRD Minproc to conduct the engineering and estimating components of a pre-feasibility study and then a final feasibility study to investigate the viability of the project. The completion of the feasibility study in March 2005 led to the approval of the project by the Board of Vale and the award of the EPCM contract to GRD Minproc.
Source
Carnavale: first results from Frei Martinho moly project
Carnavale Resources Ltd announced the first drilling results on its Frei Martinho molybdenum project in the northeast region of Brazil.
The 2,000m phase 1 diamond drilling program was concluded in February 2008 with 2,046m drilled on 18 diamond drill holes.
Best results include 0.226% Mo over 2.67m in hole FMD-009-07 from 89.98 m and 0.019% Mo over 62.40m in hole FMD-006-07 from 8m. While inconsistent analyses was detected by the QA/QC control and several samples had to be submitted for duplicate checking, the company is confident of the analytical method used and believes further results should be available more quickly.
Acquisition of New Properties:
The geological knowledge acquired during the Phase 1 diamond drilling program, in conjunction with the regional fieldwork led to a decision by the Company to acquire an additional land package which includes six exploration licenses in the region and applications for five exploration leases which increased the project size from 12,790 hectares to 34,607 hectares. . An aggressive exploration program will be immediately developed in order to delineate new drill targets on these properties.
Source: 17 June 2008 ASX Announcement
The 2,000m phase 1 diamond drilling program was concluded in February 2008 with 2,046m drilled on 18 diamond drill holes.
Best results include 0.226% Mo over 2.67m in hole FMD-009-07 from 89.98 m and 0.019% Mo over 62.40m in hole FMD-006-07 from 8m. While inconsistent analyses was detected by the QA/QC control and several samples had to be submitted for duplicate checking, the company is confident of the analytical method used and believes further results should be available more quickly.
Acquisition of New Properties:
The geological knowledge acquired during the Phase 1 diamond drilling program, in conjunction with the regional fieldwork led to a decision by the Company to acquire an additional land package which includes six exploration licenses in the region and applications for five exploration leases which increased the project size from 12,790 hectares to 34,607 hectares. . An aggressive exploration program will be immediately developed in order to delineate new drill targets on these properties.
Source: 17 June 2008 ASX Announcement
Tourism: Estrada Real - The Royal Route
Estrada RealDuring most of the 17th and 18th centuries, the gold explored in the interior lands of Minas Gerais was the main economic activity of Colonial Brazil; most of the production was sent to Portugal through the coastal cities of Rio de Janeiro.
The Estrada Real is the name of the path that Portuguese expeditions trailed to bring gold from Minas to Rio, and food the other way around; this road had to cross mountains, broad plateaus, meadows and creeks.
Gold route The first route (Old Route) connected Ouro Preto, in Minas, to Paraty, in the south of Rio; from Paraty, the expeditions walked to the city of Rio. This trip took three months.
It worked this way until the bandeirantes Garcia Rodrigues and Fernão Dias devised a shorter route, directly to Rio. In 1698 he obtained a permit fromthe Portuguese Crown to build this "New Route", and began the construction in the beginning of the 18th century. This new route took only ten days to complete; only people authorized by the Crown could travel along it.
Royal Route Minas GeraisToday, a partnership between the Instituto Estrada Real and the government of Minas Gerais is reconstructing the entire route. The Old and New Routes together total 1,400 kilometers (870 mi.) and cross 177 cities; the road reveals a wealth of colonial and baroque architecture, as well as a natural beauty.
From the heart of Minas Gerais, the Route goes from Diamantina to Ouro Preto, where it splits in two directions.
One route (the Old Route) passes through São João del Rei and Tiradentes, crosses the esoteric São Tomé das Letras, and then Caxambu and São Lourenço in the "Medicinal Waters Circuit", across the Paraíba Valley, through the cities of Guaratinguetá and Cunha, then down to the port of Paraty.
Royal Route Minas Gerais The other path (New Route) crosses Barbacena, Juiz de Fora, Itaipava and Petrópolis before reaching the city of Rio.
Taking the Royal Route is one of the best ways to discover Minas Gerais, while travelling three hundred years back in time.
Sport: World Cup winner Juninho to play in Brisbane
WORLD Cup winner Juninho will make a guest appearance for Palmeiras when the Brazilian giants take on Queensland Roar at Suncorp Stadium on July 12.
The former Sydney FC playmaker, who was part of the Brazilian side that beat Germany 2-0 in the 2002 World Cup final, will be the major drawcard at the annual Roar Against Racism match.
Juninho, who also had stints with Atletico Madrid, Middlesbrough and Celtic, played for Palmeiras in 2005 and 2006 and was understood to have been instrumental in luring the six-time national champions to Queensland.
The diminutive 35-year-old attacking midfielder has not played since finishing his season-long, injury-riddled stint in Sydney in February and is believed to be contemplating retirement.
The Brazilian first division championship started this month so it is highly unlikely Palmeiras will send a full-strength squad to Brisbane, particularly as the club has league fixtures on July 11 and July 14 (Australian time).
Queensland's pre-season campaign will also include a four-team tournament in Korea next month, with Gamba Osaka (Japan), Beijing Guoan (China) and hosts Incheon United the other participants.
The Roar is poised to announce the signing of Brazilian striker Marcio Carioca, who last played for Portuguese club Pacos de Ferreira.
The 25-year-old marksman joins fellow Brazilian Bruno Mezenga as Queensland's two new attacking weapons.
Pacos de Ferreira, which will play in the Portuguese second division next season after finishing in the relegation zone, recently terminated Marcio's contract after he refused to go on loan to lower division club Centro Desportivo de Fatima.
Renowned for both his pace and strength, the 179cm Marcio played UEFA Cup football for Pacos de Ferreira before his controversial exit from the club.
The Roar continues its pre-season trial campaign on Tuesday at Underwood Park against Brisbane Premier League pacesetters Rochedale Rovers. Kick-off is 7pm.
Source
Media: Globo TV Cracks New Markets in Asia Pacific, including Australia
RIO DE JANEIRO, May 27: Globo TV International has expanded its Asia-Pacific business, scoring a volume deal with Australia’s Dream House Entertainment and an agreement for the broadcast of The Clone in Singapore.
Under its agreement with Dream House Entertainment in Australia, 1,900 hours of telenovelas from Globo TV International will be broadcast until 2010 via subscription channel La Telenovela. The channel will dedicate three of its slots to Globo’s telenovelas, kicking off with The Clone, Terra Speranza and Uga Uga. This marks Globo TV International’s first entrée into the Australian market, and is an extension of its existing agreement with Dream House Entertainment covering the North American market.
In a deal with StarHub, Globo TV International has also sold the broadcast rights to an Indonesian dub of the telenovela The Clone, marking the first time that a channel in Singapore will air programming from the Brazilian distributor. Scheduled to premiere in June, The Clone will air on subscription channel Senasí, which includes programming entirely dedicated to the Indonesians and Malays living in Singapore.
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Under its agreement with Dream House Entertainment in Australia, 1,900 hours of telenovelas from Globo TV International will be broadcast until 2010 via subscription channel La Telenovela. The channel will dedicate three of its slots to Globo’s telenovelas, kicking off with The Clone, Terra Speranza and Uga Uga. This marks Globo TV International’s first entrée into the Australian market, and is an extension of its existing agreement with Dream House Entertainment covering the North American market.
In a deal with StarHub, Globo TV International has also sold the broadcast rights to an Indonesian dub of the telenovela The Clone, marking the first time that a channel in Singapore will air programming from the Brazilian distributor. Scheduled to premiere in June, The Clone will air on subscription channel Senasí, which includes programming entirely dedicated to the Indonesians and Malays living in Singapore.
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Forthcoming Exhibitions and Trade Fairs
Biotech Fair – Bioenergy and Biodiesel Technology International fair.
Date: June 24th to 27th, 2008
The BIO Tech Fair - International Fair on Bioenergy and Biodiesel Technology has the objective of showing new technological products and services, offering participants business opportunities and market trends, with respect to the rational use of waste in primary industries.
The search for alternative sources of energy has proven to be a top necessity that needs to be implemented. Some segments offer advantageous and economic options for helping increase energy generation capacity.
Location: Curitiba, Parana - Brazil - Metropolitan Region
Venue: ExpoTrade Convention & Exhibition Center
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SINTEC - International Symposium and Technology Exhibition on the Sugar & Ethanol Industry
From July 1st to 4th, 2008, at the Central Sugar Mill in Piracicaba, São Paulo state, Brazil, the 6th SIMTEC will take place. The event, aimed at the Sugar and Ethanol Agroindustrial market, has the objectives of creating business opportunities and presenting the innovations of the sector.
SIMTEC is directed to businesspeople and technicians of the sugar and alcohol sector and will count on the participation of Machine and Equipment manufacturers, Service Providers and Consultants to the Sugar and Ethanol Industry, as well as Agriculture Machinery and Equipment manufacturers.
During the exhibition, high-level technical seminars will be held by companies and professionals with large experience in the sugar and Ethanol agroindustrial segment.
SIMTEC seeks to present the highest technology in manufacturing machines and equipment to the sugar and alcohol industry; present the region as a source of know-how, research, and development; present researches from the Biofuels National Pole; and increase the commerce of such equipment and machinery to the sugar and Ethanol sector in Brazil and abroad.
The aim is to consolidate an economic, scientific and technological model based on the management of resources and on the production of low environmental impact renewable energy, especially Ethanol and biodiesel.
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Fenasucro - XVI International Sugar and Alcohol industrial Fair
Date: 2 to 5 September 2008
Venue: Zanini Exhibition Center – Sertãozinho / São Paulo / Brazil
Exhibition Area: 130.000 square meters
Number of exhibitors: approximately 450
Estimated number of public visitors: 25.000 visitors
Held by: CEISE: Industry Center of Sertãozinho and Region
Concurrent Events:
International Forum on Ethanol and Alcohol
Brasil Cana Show
STAB’s International Agro-industrial Symposium on Technological Innovations
Source: http://www.fenasucro.com.br/new/uk/default_home.asp
Rio Oil & Gas 2008
Date : September 15-18, 2008
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The 2008 edition of the Rio Oil & Gas Expo and Conference will use to advantage
the potential of Riocentro Convention Centre. The exhibition will take place in a
30,500 square meter area, confirming its position among the most important oil & gas
events in the world.
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Expo Australia 2008, Latin America
Date: 4-6 October
Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Expo Australia 2008 will gain maximum exposure for your business by uniting government allies and industry players, including the Council on Australian and Latin American Relations (COALAR), Tourism Australia, Australian Education International and Qantas, under the Brand Australia banner for the largest 100% Australian event in Latin America.
The expo will showcase Australia’s best tourism, food and beverage (with a special emphasis on wine), services, investment and outdoor goods and fashion.
Previously the Australia Festival, the expo generated A$14 million in positive mentions in local media in 2007.
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FEILEITE 2008 - 2nd International Fair of the Dairy Production Chain
Date: from October 28 through November 01, 2008
Time: from 09 a.m. to 08 p.m.
Place: Centro de Exposições Imigrantes – SP
Feileite – International Fair of the Dairy Production Chain, by evolving year after year, has been preparing its 2008 edition by investing in new concepts to boost output and reinforce values in order to ensure the space held by milk. Feileite has as its basic premise: strengthening the industry, generating business and improving the production system.
Information: (11) 5067-6767
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The Expo Brazil 2008
20 – 22 November
The International Trade Exhibition to be held in November 2008 is all set to present over 10,000 products, equipment and machinery from over 28 countries. Trade visitors from all over South & North American countries are being invited directly and in collaboration with several regional trade bodies in Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Bolivia & other North American Countries. Though Brazil by itself is one of the biggest markets in South America, major emphasis is being laid upon attracting traders and importers from neighbouring countries. In 2007, imports of the country rose to US$98 billion in 10 months, thus making it a very attractive market for foreign exporters.
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Employment Opportunities:
NQAS – Northern Queensland Agricultural Supplies is looking for a Mechanical Engineering as Project Manager:
“NQAS is a fast growing Australian business and is one of the largest suppliers of sugar cane harvester spare parts globally. We are seeking a hands-on Project Manager to lead our new products and delivery team. Reporting to the GM, you will be responsible for managing the new products and delivery team whose objectives are quality control and delivering new products for the business.
Crucial to your success will be the ability to support the business in realizing their objectives, manage schedule, costs and risk, deal with technical concepts, tap into group and external resources and balance both the high level aspects of projects while actively digging into the detail to get the job done.
We would like you to hold qualifications in mechanical engineering, with a focus on design and at least 3-5 years post qualification experience. You shall have proven knowledge in PPAP procedures, Quality Control (ISO 9001) and experience in AutoCAD or SolidWorks programs.
By nature you will be a self-starter, results oriented, good-humored, flexible, and willing to go the extra mile. High level interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as is proven leadership in a service driven culture. A Brazilian/ Portuguese background would also be highly regarded.
NQAS offers a pleasant work environment, generous salary packaging and a friendly supportive culture.
Like to know more?
For a confidential discussion, please contact David Headrick on 0411 034 922 or email your resume to applications@nqas.com.au”
“NQAS is a fast growing Australian business and is one of the largest suppliers of sugar cane harvester spare parts globally. We are seeking a hands-on Project Manager to lead our new products and delivery team. Reporting to the GM, you will be responsible for managing the new products and delivery team whose objectives are quality control and delivering new products for the business.
Crucial to your success will be the ability to support the business in realizing their objectives, manage schedule, costs and risk, deal with technical concepts, tap into group and external resources and balance both the high level aspects of projects while actively digging into the detail to get the job done.
We would like you to hold qualifications in mechanical engineering, with a focus on design and at least 3-5 years post qualification experience. You shall have proven knowledge in PPAP procedures, Quality Control (ISO 9001) and experience in AutoCAD or SolidWorks programs.
By nature you will be a self-starter, results oriented, good-humored, flexible, and willing to go the extra mile. High level interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as is proven leadership in a service driven culture. A Brazilian/ Portuguese background would also be highly regarded.
NQAS offers a pleasant work environment, generous salary packaging and a friendly supportive culture.
Like to know more?
For a confidential discussion, please contact David Headrick on 0411 034 922 or email your resume to applications@nqas.com.au”
Looking for positions in:
IT (SAP MM):
Luiz Pereira
Contact for full CV: Mobile: 04 11 78 60 61/ E-mail: lfmpereira@yahoo.com.au
Business & Tourism:
Greice Vieira
Contact : Mobile: 0410 715235 / Email: greicemoura@yahoo.com.br
Marketing:
Fernanda Cordeiro
Contact for full CV: Mobile: 0431 710442/Email: fernandaasc@hotmail.com
Business Administration:
Fernanda de Almeida
Contact for full CV: Mobile: 0408 180255/Email: fmeisterdealmeida@yahoo.com.br
International Business:
Karmine dos Santos Martins
Contact for full CV: Email: karminesantos@hotmail.com
Marcelo Rocha
Contact for full CV : Email : marcelo_roch@yahoo.com.br
Interpreters/Translators (NAATI):
Isabel Jornada
Contact for full CV: Email: isajornada@hotmail.com
Host Families Needed for Brazilian Students
Southern Cross Cultural Exchange, an Australian not-for-profit organisation specialising in international student exchange programs, is seeking volunteer host families for high school students (around 16 years old) scheduled to arrive in Australia on 25 July 2008 from Brazil. The main purpose of cultural exchange is to challenge youth towards international understanding and tolerance, encourage further learning, self knowledge and awareness - invaluable characteristics in today's world. We organise all the flights, school enrolment, transportation, insurances and support systems. Call Southern Cross Cultural Exchange now toll free on 1800 500 501, visit www.scce.com.au or email scceaust@scce.com.au
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