Biofuels are gaining ground in the future of agriculture.

The convergence between agriculture, energy, and technological innovation was one of the main themes debated during World Agri-Tech South America 2026, held in São Paulo. In the panel “Sustainable biofuels at scale: converting political momentum, technology and capital into profitable growth,” leaders from the agricultural, energy, and logistics sectors discussed the challenges and opportunities for scaling up the production and use of renewable fuels globally. 

Representing AGCO, a global leader in agricultural machinery and precision agriculture technologies, Marcelo Traldi, General Manager for Latin America, highlighted Brazil's strategic role in the transition to a low-carbon economy and the importance of innovation in transforming rural producers into protagonists in renewable energy generation. 

“Brazil has unique conditions to lead this transformation. We have available raw materials, a renewable energy matrix, installed industrial capacity, and highly technological producers. The integration between agriculture and energy creates an unprecedented opportunity to increase the competitiveness of agribusiness, reduce emissions, and generate new sources of revenue for producers,” said Traldi. 

The executive also emphasized that the advancement of biofuels goes beyond replacing fossil fuels, creating a new production model based on the valorization of agricultural waste and circularity. In this scenario, technologies such as biomethane and ethanol gain prominence by allowing rural properties and mills to produce part of the energy consumed in their own operations. 

The discussion brought together representatives from other large companies, who pointed to the accelerated growth of corn ethanol, the expansion of biomethane, and the increasing demand for sustainable fuels in the maritime and aviation sectors as factors that should drive new investments in the South American bioeconomy. 

AGCO highlights technologies for the market.

For AGCO, the evolution of biofuels is directly connected to the future of agricultural mechanization. The company recently introduced to the market the AGCO Power engines powered by ethanol and biomethane, the result of more than 20 hours of testing in sugarcane and grain agricultural operations under severe working conditions. 

The new technologies, expected to reach the market between 2027 and 2028 through the Valtra and Massey Ferguson brands, offer performance equivalent to diesel, with power between 200 and 300 horsepower, in addition to reducing carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional fuels. “We believe that the next major evolution in agriculture will be energy autonomy in the field. The farmer will produce not only food, fiber, and biomass, but also the energy needed to power their operation. It's a model that combines sustainability, economic efficiency, and energy security,” Traldi emphasized. 

World Agri-Tech South America is recognized as one of the most important international forums for agricultural innovation, bringing together companies, investors, startups, and agribusiness leaders to discuss solutions focused on the future of food production, energy, and sustainability.