Biotech Updates

Brazil Takes Measures to Boost Ethanol Production

May 2, 2013
News article: http://www.ethanolproducer.com/articles/9792/brazil-takes-action-to-boost-ethanol-industry

Brazil's Ministry of Finance will take three additional measures to boost ethanol production and investment in its ethanol industry. The announcement was made following the increase in the mandatory blend level of anhydrous ethanol to 25 percent that will take effect on May 1.

The first measure includes a cut of the PIS/COFINS tax by approximately 12 percent. The second measure includes an interest rate reduction for the Brazilian Development Bank's (BNDES) Prorenova program, which aims to increase the production of sugarcane by funding the renovation and establishment of new plantations. For the third measure, the ministry will make BRL 2 billion in funding available to create new ethanol storage capacity at an annual interest rate of 7.7 percent.