The expansion of biodiesel in Brazil has increased demand for soybeans and opened new fronts for processing the grain within the country. In addition to reinforcing the role of oilseeds in the energy matrix, the advancement of biofuel stimulates industrialization and adds value to production.
Biodiesel increases demand for soybeans and strengthens industrialization in the country
The expansion of biodiesel in Brazil has increased demand for soybeans and opened new fronts for processing the grain within the country. In addition to reinforcing the role of oilseeds in the energy matrix, the advancement of biofuel...
Currently, by legal determination, diesel sold in Brazil must contain 15% biodiesel in its composition, a mixture known as B15. However, some agribusiness companies have already gone beyond the mandatory mixture and started using B100, a fuel made entirely of biodiesel.
- The alternative reduces the use of fossil diesel and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- In Mato Grosso, AMAGGI is among the companies that incorporated the B100 into operations.
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Currently, by legal determination, diesel sold in Brazil must contain 15% biodiesel in its composition, a mixture known as B15. However, some agribusiness companies have already gone beyond the mandatory mixture and started using B100, a fuel made entirely of biodiesel. The alternative reduces the use of fossil diesel and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In Mato Grosso, AMAGGI is among the companies that incorporated the B100 into operations. The first tests began in 2022, at Fazenda Itamarati, in Campo Novo do Parecis, where agricultural machines accumulated more than 20 thousand hours of operation supplied with fuel. According to the company, the performance was equivalent to that recorded with fossil fuels.
After the testing phase, Fazenda Sete Lagoas, in Diamantino, began to have all its agricultural machinery supplied exclusively with B100 and became the group's first 100% biodiesel farm.
The biofuel used is produced with degummed soybean oil at AMAGGI's own factory, in Lucas do Rio Verde. The unit is next to the company's crushing plant, allowing part of the soybeans grown in Mato Grosso to be processed and transformed into fuel in the state itself. In addition to Fazenda Sete Lagoas, the B100 also supplies part of the truck fleet and has already received authorization for tests on vessels.
For the president of Aprosoja Mato Grosso, Lucas Costa Beber, expanding this processing means creating conditions for a greater portion of the value of soybeans to remain in the producing regions.
"The verticalization of the soy chain can and should generate more value, more jobs and development for Mato Grosso. We have to take more actions to accelerate the adoption of the use of biodiesel in our country", he states.
Beber cites the United States as an example of a country that expanded internal oilseed processing after trade difficulties with China. In his opinion, encouraging biofuels could increase the crushing of soybeans in Brazil, stimulate the industry and generate more jobs and revenue.
Science transforms oil into energy Until it reaches the machine tank, soybean oil goes through a chemical transformation called transesterification. According to the director of the Chemistry Institute at the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), professor Evandro Luiz Dall’Oglio, vegetable oils or fats react with an alcohol, such as methanol or ethanol, giving rise to biodiesel and glycerin.
In addition to chemical transformation, the researcher highlights the environmental gains associated with replacing fossil fuels.
“The partial or total replacement of fossil fuels with biofuels contributes to reducing the effects of climate change, in addition to improving air quality through reduced soot emissions”, explains Dall’Oglio.
Mato Grosso concentrates 22% of production Within this market, Mato Grosso occupies a strategic position. According to the Energy Research Company (EPE), the state should produce around 52 million tons of soybeans in the 2025/26 harvest and has 18 biodiesel plants. In 2025, these units produced and sold 2.2 billion liters, approximately 22% of national production.
For EPE, transforming soy into biodiesel allows capturing greater economic value within the state itself, stimulating industrial investments and strengthening associated chains. Processing also generates co-products, such as protein intended for animal feed, as well as employment and income.
The impact goes beyond soy. In 2025, Brazil imported approximately 16.8 billion liters of fossil diesel, spending around US$9.5 billion. In the same period, 9.7 billion liters of biodiesel were used in the mixture consumed in the country. For EPE, the presence of biofuel contributes to replacing part of imports and maintaining resources within the Brazilian economy.
B100 requires control and technology The advancement of pure biodiesel, however, does not mean that B100 can immediately replace fossil diesel in any operation.
The National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) establishes quality standards for biodiesel through Resolution No. 920/2023. The rules related to production and marketing by producers are set out in Resolution No. 987/2025.
Changes in legislation also facilitated the voluntary use of percentages higher than the mandatory mix in activities such as captive fleets, navigation, tractors and agricultural machinery. Even so, use requires care with storage, fuel quality and equipment conditions.
EPE itself assesses that the B100 currently has greater potential in captive fleets and adequately monitored operations, however, large-scale expansion still depends on technological compatibility, engine performance, supply infrastructure and requirements established by manufacturers.