A delegation from the Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development (IAED) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) recently visited Embrapa Agroenergy in Brasília. Researchers from the two countries exchanged experience on biofuel production, public policies in the sector and the relationship between food and energy production.

During the meeting, the Brazilian side presented the development of ethanol production in Brazil, highlighting the growing use of maize as a feedstock. The Chinese delegation sought to understand the potential effects of this expansion on the availability of maize for food consumption and export. Brazilian researchers explained that productivity gains and the expansion of the second maize crop had enabled the country to increase maize production.

Representatives of the Chinese delegation presented the current state of the sector in China. The two sides also discussed public policies on biofuels, strategies to reduce carbon emissions and the development of sustainable aviation fuels.

(Source: AgroRevenda, 30 July)