Brazil AgTech Report: Lallemand Investment, Global Eggs Deal, Michelin Expansion, GreenLight Entry
#23 BAR Brief
In this week’s Brazil AgTech Report, Brazilian startups like @Tech, Rúmina, and Artemis are developing digital solutions to improve efficiency in livestock farming, while JetBov is expanding its livestock management platform through new franchises. Meanwhile, the Brazilian government seeks blockchain technology to enhance grain production monitoring and has launched the Amazon’s first Digital Agriculture Laboratory to improve regional productivity using AI and sensors.
Climate-focused initiatives are also gaining traction. A study suggests that regen ag in the Cerrado could generate $100 billion by 2050, requiring $55 billion in investment. Lallemand is investing $100 million in Brazil to enhance ethanol production through biotechnology. The country is also advancing biodiesel adoption, with plans to reach a 20% blend by 2030. Companies like Nutribras and Atvos are innovating with biogas and renewable energy projects to improve sustainability.
In M&A news, Global Eggs, controlled by Ricardo Faria, has acquired Hillandale Farms for $1.1 billion, aiming to capitalize on growing global demand for eggs. The deal includes a $300 million investment from BTG Pactual’s private equity arm. Other major investments include Michelin’s expansion into agriculture in Latin America and Brazil’s ambitious R$ 2 trillion plan to become a data center powerhouse within a decade.
Additionally, Brazil’s financial landscape is experiencing growth in agricultural financing. The issuance of CPRs and LCAs rose significantly during the 2024/2025 harvest season, with CPRs increasing by 68% and LCAs by 13%. Finally, Santo Antônio do Pinhal is emerging as a Bitcoin-friendly hub, aiming to attract tourists and investors through widespread cryptocurrency adoption.
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AgTech
🐄 Startups Develop Digital Solutions for Precision Livestock
🚀 Brazil Multiplies Ag Incubators, Hubs, and Accelerators
🔗 Brazil Govt. Seeks Blockchain to Monitor AgProduction
🐄 JetBov Launches Franchise Model to Expand Business
🚚 Strada Open to New Investors in 2025
🌱 Amazon Region Launches First Digital Agriculture Lab
Climate
💰 Brazil's $100 Billion Regen Ag Opportunity
🧬 Lallemand Plans Brazil Expansion with $100M Investment
🚛 Brazil Accelerates Biodiesel Adoption with 20% Blend Target
🐖 Nutribras: A Model of Sustainable Pig Farming in Brazil
💰 GreenLight Biosciences Enters Brazil with $25M Investment
🏭 Atvos to Build Biogas Plant in Mato Grosso do Sul
M&A
🍳 Global Eggs Acquires U.S. Hillandale Farms for $1.1B
Misc.
🚜 Michelin Expands into Agriculture to Drive Growth in Latam
📈 Surge in Private Agricultural Financing in Brazil
💾 Brazil Aims to Become Data Center Powerhouse in 10 Years
₿ Santo Antônio do Pinhal Becomes Bitcoin Hub in Brazil
🥛 Brazil Dairy Farm Achieves 100k Liters of Milk Daily
AgTech
🐄 Startups Develop Digital Solutions for Precision Livestock
Brazilian startups are developing digital tools to enhance efficiency and profitability in livestock farming. @Tech, a Yield Lab Latam portfolio company, offers "BeefTrader," which identifies the Optimal Trading Point (PON) to improve feed conversion and optimize production, and "BeefPerformance," which monitors cattle performance in real-time. Rúmina's "OnFarm" provides rapid on-farm diagnostics for mastitis in dairy cows, reducing treatment costs and antibiotic use. Artemis has developed "Artemis Pig Smart Data," transforming financial and production data into strategic decisions to increase cash flow and efficiency in pig farming operations. read more
🚀 Brazil Multiplies Ag Incubators, Hubs, and Accelerators
Brazil’s agribusiness sector saw rapid growth in innovation environments between 2023 and 2024. According to the Radar Agtech Brasil report by Embrapa, Homo Ludens, and SP Ventures, the number of incubators increased by 224%, from 32 to 107. Startup accelerators grew by 90%, from 21 to 40, while innovation hubs rose by 29%, from 82 to 106. Technology parks also expanded by 25%, totaling 117 units. This growth reflects the decentralization of innovation ecosystems, with the South, Northeast, and Midwest regions gaining prominence. read more
🔗 Brazil Govt. Seeks Blockchain to Monitor AgProduction
The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) has issued a public notice to acquire a blockchain-based system for more efficient monitoring of the country's grain production. This initiative is part of the Agro Brasil + Sustentável Program, launched in late 2024, aiming to enhance traceability and compliance in agricultural processes. The desired solution should utilize Python for backend development and JavaScript/TypeScript for the frontend, incorporating artificial intelligence to classify crops throughout the harvest period. read more
🐄 JetBov Launches Franchise Model to Expand Business
JetBov is scaling its livestock management platform across Brazil through a new franchise model. Since late 2024, five franchises have launched in key agricultural regions, with three more planned by mid-2025. Local agro-consulting firms invest to promote, implement, and support JetBov’s platform, earning a share of subscription fees. This strategy aims to boost market presence by leveraging local expertise and networks while enhancing accessibility for cattle ranchers nationwide. read more
🚚 Strada Open to New Investors in 2025
Strada, a logistics and payment solutions platform founded in 2022 by Cargill, ADM, LDC, and Amaggi, expects positive cash flow by the end of 2025 and is open to new investors. CEO Rodrigo Koelle projects a 40% increase in freight transactions, reaching R$14 billion this year. In January and February alone, the company recorded 168,000 trips, primarily transporting soy and corn. Strada also offers financial services like receivables anticipation and digital accounts for drivers, with its fintech operations currently generating more revenue than its logistics segment. read more
🌱 Amazon Region Launches First Digital Agriculture Lab
Brazil's Ag Research agency, Embrapa, inaugurated the Amazon’s first Digital Agriculture Laboratory (LADA) in Boa Vista, Roraima, earlier this month. Developed in partnership with Foxconn, CAPDA, and Suframa, LADA aims to advance regional agriculture using AI, drones, and sensors. The lab features automated greenhouses with hyperspectral sensors, drones with multispectral and LIDAR sensors, and advanced data processing capabilities to enhance sustainability and productivity in Amazonian agriculture. read more
Climate
💰 Brazil's $100 Billion Regen Ag Opportunity
A study by the Boston Consulting Group, in collaboration with Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and partners, indicates that adopting sustainable farming practices on 32 million hectares of degraded pastures in the Cerrado region could generate up to $100 billion by 2050. This transition would require an estimated $55 billion investment but promises increased productivity, cost reductions, and significant environmental benefits, including conserving 43 million hectares of natural areas and reducing CO₂ emissions by 140 million tons. read more
🧬 Lallemand Plans Brazil Expansion with $100M Investment
Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits, a global leader in yeast and bacteria production for the biofuels and spirits industries, is investing $100 million in biotechnology research in Brazil. The focus is on developing yeast and enzymes to boost ethanol production efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance energy conversion. With rising demand for biofuels, the company aims to double its market share, driven by advancements in corn ethanol and the "Futuro Combustível" program.
🚛 Brazil Accelerates Biodiesel Adoption with 20% Blend Target
Brazil is advancing towards a more sustainable transport economy by progressively increasing the biodiesel blend in diesel fuel. A recent Rabobank study highlights that the blend has risen from 2% in 2008 to 14% in 2024, with legislation enacted in October 2024 mandating annual 1% increases to reach 20% by 2030. This initiative presents significant opportunities for the soybean crushing industry, given that soybean oil accounted for 72% of biodiesel feedstock in 2024. read more
🐖 Nutribras: A Model of Sustainable Pig Farming in Brazil
Nutribras Alimentos, a Brazilian pig farming company, has implemented innovative sustainability practices to minimize environmental impact and enhance efficiency. By adopting a circular economy approach, Nutribras utilizes waste from pig farming to generate biogas, which is then converted into electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, the company employs advanced water treatment systems to recycle water used in its operations, promoting conservation. read more
💰 GreenLight Biosciences Enters Brazil with $25M Investment
U.S.-based biotechnology firm GreenLight Biosciences has announced its expansion into Brazil, designating the country as its Latin American hub. The company specializes in RNA-based solutions aimed at enhancing pest control and crop resilience. This move is supported by a $25 million investment from Just Climate, an investment firm co-founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, known for his climate change advocacy. GreenLight is already marketing an insecticide enhancer in Brazil and conducting trials to register its first RNA-based product in the country. read more
🏭 Atvos to Build Biogas Plant in Mato Grosso do Sul
Atvos, one of Brazil's largest ethanol producers, has received authorization to construct its first biogas plant in Mato Grosso do Sul. The facility, slated to begin operations by late 2026, will convert sugarcane byproducts like filter cake and vinasse into biogas, with an annual production capacity of 28.3 million cubic meters. This initiative aims to reduce the company's diesel consumption by up to 40% in the medium term, with surplus biogas supplied to neighboring municipalities. read more
M&A
🍳 Global Eggs Acquires U.S. Hillandale Farms for $1.1B
Global Eggs, controlled by Brazilian entrepreneur Ricardo Faria, has agreed to purchase U.S.-based Hillandale Farms for $1.1 billion. This acquisition aligns with the group's strategy to capitalize on the growing importance of eggs as a staple food. Faria noted that the deal is not directly related to recent U.S. supply shortages due to avian influenza but reflects confidence in the global increase in egg consumption. Founded last year, Global Eggs previously acquired Spain's Grupo Hevo in November. Combined, Hillandale, Hevo, and Granja Faria reported revenues exceeding $2 billion in 2024. As part of the Hillandale acquisition, BTG Pactual's private equity arm will invest $300 million in Global Eggs for an 11% stake. read more
Misc.
🚜 Michelin Expands into Agriculture to Drive Growth in Latam
Michelin is intensifying its focus on agriculture in Latin America through its "Beyond Road" division, which generated nearly €6 billion in 2024. The company is promoting innovations like rubber tracks to improve traction and reduce soil compaction, as well as increasing the adoption of radial tires in agricultural machinery from 15% to 23%. Michelin plans to showcase these technologies at Agrishow in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, as part of its broader strategy to enhance productivity and efficiency in the region's agricultural sector. read more
📈 Surge in Private Agricultural Financing in Brazil
In the 2024/2025 harvest season, from July to February, Brazil witnessed a 68% increase in the issuance of Cédulas de Produto Rural (CPRs), reaching R$ 268.84 billion. CPRs are debt securities issued by rural producers or cooperatives to obtain financing for agricultural activities, with repayment typically made through the delivery of crops or financial settlements. Letras de Crédito do Agronegócio (LCAs) also saw growth, with a 13% rise, accumulating a stock of R$ 540.14 billion. LCAs are financial instruments issued by banks to raise funds exclusively for agribusiness credit, offering investors tax-exempt returns. These instruments are pivotal in financing the agricultural sector, with regulations mandating that at least 50% of LCA-raised funds be allocated to rural credit operations. read more
💾 Brazil Aims to Become Data Center Powerhouse in 10 Years
The Brazilian government is working with the private sector to attract R$ 2 trillion in investments over the next decade to position Brazil as a global leader in data centers. With its clean energy matrix providing a competitive edge, the plan aims to boost infrastructure for data centers, artificial intelligence, and smart city projects. Companies like Equinix, Scala Data Centers, and Elea Data Centers are expanding operations, with Brazil’s installed capacity expected to grow by 220 MW by the end of 2025. The initiative seeks to capitalize on growing demand for digital infrastructure across Latin America. read more
₿ Santo Antônio do Pinhal Becomes Bitcoin Hub in Brazil
Santo Antônio do Pinhal, a small town in São Paulo's Serra da Mantiqueira, is quickly emerging as a Bitcoin-friendly destination. With 79 businesses already accepting Bitcoin, it is approaching Rolante (RS) — Brazil's most Bitcoin-friendly city with 209 establishments. Inspired by Rolante’s success, local leaders, led by holistic therapist Pedro Fadida, have embraced cryptocurrency as a strategy to boost tourism and stimulate the local economy. The initiative aims to position the town as a pioneer in digital currency adoption, attracting enthusiasts and investors alike. read more
🥛 Brazil Dairy Farm Achieves 100k Liters of Milk Daily
A Brazilian dairy farm has implemented advanced techniques to reach a daily production of 100,000 liters of milk. By focusing on genetic improvement, animal welfare, and efficient resource management, the farm has significantly enhanced productivity. These practices include selective breeding, optimal nutrition, and maintaining comfortable living conditions for the cattle. This achievement exemplifies the potential of modern dairy farming methods in boosting output and sustainability within the industry. read more
Thats all for this week, thanks for reading,
KFG
Kieran Finbar Gartlan is an Irish native with over 30 years of experience living and working in Brazil. He is Managing Partner at The Yield Lab Latam, a leading venture capital firm investing in Agrifood and Climate Tech startups. All views, opinions, and commentary expressed are strictly his own.