Native oilseeds as a potential of development by Brazilian biodiversity value chains

Abstract

This paper analyze and evaluate Brazilian biodiversity oils as potential triggers for the development of a new value chain of no-timber forest products that will contribute for a transition to bioeconomy. Firstly the paper analyzes the production, processing, and market models of two different vegetable oils. The model based on the olive oil in EU indicates paths for the improvement for Brazilian biodiversity oils value chain. Then, state of art of Brazilian biodiversity oils market and public policies that supports the socio-biodiversity production chain is analyzed. In addition to that, market and technological characteristics of the main raw materials for the production of oils from no-timber forest products are described with emphasis in Brazil nuts and babassu oils. The results indicate that those oils can play a relevant role for the improvement of no-timber forest products value chain, however they have identified a gap of scientific and technological for vegetable oil extraction and refining process. These technological progresses contribute for the Brazilian biomes conservation by adding value in processed products. Beyond the technological and market challenges of Brazilian biodiversity oils production, the value chain still demands institutional, legal, cross-sectorial and trusting framework that encourage actors to overcome the present difficulties of extractive activities. As an example of a cross-sectorial framework, it is possible to mention the personal hygiene and pharmaceutical Brazilian industries. These industries develop a market differentiation by vegetable assets as Brazilian biodiversity oils, extracts and tinctures. For this development demand high investments in RD&I. For the Brazilian characteristics, the partnerships and alliances between companies, universities or research institutes and small local enterprises become relevant. In conclusion, the paper recommend social productive arrangements that integrate cooperatives and associations of local communities, universities and research institutes, industries and government institutions in order to make Brazilian biodiversity a strategic axis for sustainable development. At the local level, this social arrangement could promote decentralized vegetable oil processing units and a specific Ecolabel for the products of the Brazilian socio-biodiversity.

Keywords

• recursos florestais não madeireiros
• sociobiodiversidade
• sustentabilidade
• óleos vegetais
• desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico