The role of biofuels in Brazilian agriculture

Brazilian agribusiness has been a leader in the search for solutions that combine productivity and sustainability. One of the promising paths for this transformation is the increasing adoption of alternative fuels in agricultural machinery, contributing to a more efficient and environmentally responsible field.

Brazil has a privileged energy matrix. Ethanol, for example, is already a consolidated reality in urban mobility and has immense potential in the countryside. Biomethane, derived from waste from corn and sugarcane mills, also presents itself as a strategic alternative: in addition to being sustainable, it can be produced on the farms themselves, which increases the energy security of the producer and reduces their dependence on the volatility of diesel.

At AGCO, we are committed to leading this energy transition with a farmer-centric approach, supported by technological innovation and driven by the purpose of decarbonizing agriculture in a viable and efficient way. Today, our machines already operate with electronic engines that meet the most demanding emissions standards, such as MAR-1, and we are already actively working on the next phase, MAR-2, with a focus on reducing Nox (nitrogen oxides that contribute to air pollution) and particulate matter present in the gases released by the engine during fuel combustion.

Our engineering department is dedicated to developing machines that operate with renewable fuels. However, the energy transition requires much more than just changing the fuel; viability depends on each component of the machine, which needs to be adjusted: transmissions, hydraulic systems, refrigeration and on-board electronics. It is a true reengineering of the entire machine.

Infrastructure is also still a challenge. For biomethane to become a viable option, producers will need to invest in biodigesters, storage systems and gas transportation. AGCO has worked alongside strategic clients to overcome these obstacles, offering technical consultancy and developing solutions.

We know that Brazilian rural producers make calculations and invest, but they want security and returns. That is why we maintain projects in partnership with large farmers, with field tests under real operating conditions and detailed analysis of performance, consumption, durability and economic viability.

Another key factor is training. Technology is evolving rapidly and ensuring that farmers and their teams know how to operate these new systems is an essential part of delivering value. Our training and after-sales support programs are an important part of this journey, as farmers need to understand and master the new technology to get the best results from it.

Therefore, the energy transition is inevitable. We are seeing significant progress in the blending of biodiesel with traditional diesel, with prospects of reaching B20 in the coming years. At the same time, the use of ethanol in agricultural machinery is expected to grow. AGCO is preparing for all these scenarios, developing solutions for a diversified and resilient agricultural energy matrix. Brazil has everything it needs to be a protagonist in this process. After all, cleaner, more efficient and innovative agriculture is good for the producer, for the planet and for all of us.

By Paulo Vilela, AGCO's director of engineering