Mines and energy minister defends Brazilian ethanol
It seems that, although the EU will be buying massive quantities of raw materials to produce biofuels, Brazil prefers to sell the complete product. But this would be reacted by EUs concerns on biofuel production outside its borders (and how about the raw materials?) which would lead to barriers for imports.That's why the Dilma Rousseff, Brazilian Minister of Mines and Energy made a huge statement on Brazil's environmental responsibility when producing ethanol. Ms. Rousseff affirmed that no Amazon forests are being cut to plant sugarcane because 91 percent of sugarcane production is cultivated 2100km (1400 miles) south from the river. She also said that her government is planning a regulation of sugarcane plantations expansion, which will include a product certification to clear up any doubts on its origin.
Being from the Workers' Party, the one that rules Brazil, the minister affirmed that they couldn't trace workers exploitation on plantations, since some accusations of bad work conditions (and slavery) were slipped to the press.
Nevertheless, Brazil is investing 1 billion Reais (about half a billion dollars) in ethanol research. Current ethanol exports are 3,4 billion liters for 2006 and previsions state a whopping 8 billion liters for 2010. Brazil is also exhaustively collaborating with other Latin American countries to develop a biofuel industry.
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[Source: Europa Press]
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