Brazil agribusiness: Corn ethanol surges in Goiás as soybean planting begins in Mato Grosso

The agribusiness sector in Brazil is facing significant shifts and climate uncertainties as the 2026/27 cycle approaches. In Goiás, corn ethanol production is projected to grow by 50.6%, reaching an estimated 1.18 billion liters. According to data from the Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (Conab), this expansion will increase corn's share of the state's total ethanol production from approximately 15% to over 20%.

This growth transforms the role of corn in the regional economy, as the grain is increasingly processed locally into fuel, vegetable oil, and animal feed rather than being exported solely as raw material. This shift provides local producers with year-round buyers and reduces reliance on long-distance transport and port logistics.

Meanwhile, in Mato Grosso, the end of the soybean sanitary void has officially authorized the 2026/27 planting season. However, producers are exercising caution due to the potential influence of El Niño. The Instituto Mato-grossense de Economia Agropecuária (Imea) projects a soybean production of 48.88 million tons for the state, though experts warn that farmers must wait for adequate soil moisture and consistent rainfall to avoid the high costs of replanting.