Published Tuesday, 17 June, 2008 at 03:35 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Queensland Works with World Market Leaders in Biofuels
Queensland ethanol producers and sugar growers will have access to the best and latest production technology during a State Government trade mission to Brazil beginning later this week.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, will lead the Queensland industry delegation to Brazil from tomorrow until 22 June 2008 to meet key representatives from the country’s ethanol industry.
“Brazil is a world leader in the production and use of ethanol,” Mr McNamara said.
“It will be beneficial to see how Queensland industries can learn from the world’s most successful biofuel economy.”
“The focus of the visit will be on strengthening collaboration in research and development, innovation, business, and science and technology in the ethanol industry.
“Brazil dominates the global sugar and ethanol world market, it has managed to double its sugar output since 2001.
“In 2006/07 Brazil held 31.4 per cent of global sugar cane production and 39.4 per cent of world sugar exports.
“It also has 34.4 per cent of world ethanol production and 63.2 per cent of world ethanol exports.
“In recent years Brazil has developed world class research and development programs in all aspects of sugar cane and biofuel production.”
Mr McNamara said the delegation will be visiting companies across the sugar and biofuels supply chain to see the latest ethanol production and value-adding techniques.
“This will include investors, sugar brokers and advisors, research and development companies, sugar millers and ethanol and bio-commodities producers,” he said.
“The sugar industry is vitally important to Queensland, and the Queensland Government is keen to support future growth and diversification through products like ethanol.
“Increased production costs due to rising fuel prices are presenting challenges for many cane growers in Queensland.
“It is important that we explore the Brazil experience to see how it can be used to create a more sustainable industry in our State.
“I will be meeting with Brazilian businesses to discuss their experiences and how they believe the Queensland sugar industry can benefit from the new biofuel and biocommodities markets for cane.”
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, will lead the Queensland industry delegation to Brazil from tomorrow until 22 June 2008 to meet key representatives from the country’s ethanol industry.
“Brazil is a world leader in the production and use of ethanol,” Mr McNamara said.
“It will be beneficial to see how Queensland industries can learn from the world’s most successful biofuel economy.”
“The focus of the visit will be on strengthening collaboration in research and development, innovation, business, and science and technology in the ethanol industry.
“Brazil dominates the global sugar and ethanol world market, it has managed to double its sugar output since 2001.
“In 2006/07 Brazil held 31.4 per cent of global sugar cane production and 39.4 per cent of world sugar exports.
“It also has 34.4 per cent of world ethanol production and 63.2 per cent of world ethanol exports.
“In recent years Brazil has developed world class research and development programs in all aspects of sugar cane and biofuel production.”
Mr McNamara said the delegation will be visiting companies across the sugar and biofuels supply chain to see the latest ethanol production and value-adding techniques.
“This will include investors, sugar brokers and advisors, research and development companies, sugar millers and ethanol and bio-commodities producers,” he said.
“The sugar industry is vitally important to Queensland, and the Queensland Government is keen to support future growth and diversification through products like ethanol.
“Increased production costs due to rising fuel prices are presenting challenges for many cane growers in Queensland.
“It is important that we explore the Brazil experience to see how it can be used to create a more sustainable industry in our State.
“I will be meeting with Brazilian businesses to discuss their experiences and how they believe the Queensland sugar industry can benefit from the new biofuel and biocommodities markets for cane.”
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004