(August 2, 2013) WASHINGTON — Today, leading biofuels advocates from the United States and Brazil announced a first-of-its-kind joint trade mission to improve and enhance biofuels trade by matching businesses seeking greater trade opportunities in ethanol and other biofuels as well as green technology designed to expand and enhance biofuel production. Approximately 15 companies will be selected for the mission, which is the product of a partnership between the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA), and the Advanced Biofuel Association (ABFA), targeting the Brazilian cities of São Paulo and Recife.

The trade mission, which will be held Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, will focus on introducing importers and exporters of biofuel and biofuel technology, in an effort to enhance bilateral relationships and enhance trade opportunities. The effort was engineered through a partnership between the aforementioned biofuel advocates, and the Brazil-U.S. Business Council (BUSBC), which represents key businesses from the United States and Brazil that have interests in promoting free trade between the two countries. The BUSBC, which is a part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is helping to administer the matchmaking mission as part of its Export Green Initiative, which was created through funding from the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce to promote U.S. exports of renewable and green commodities and technologies.

RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen stressed the importance of a global ethanol market. “As world leaders in biofuel production and trade, our two nations have a unique ability to help promote and support biofuel demand around the globe. We believe this trade mission is an important first step in developing a better trade relationship with our friends to the South, exploring new trade opportunities between our two nations, as well as expanding ways that we can work to open new markets. We are proud to partner with UNICA and ABFA to promote our biofuel as a clean, renewable and economically competitive alternative to petroleum,” Dinneen stated.

“As the world's largest biofuels producers and exporters, the United States and Brazil recently removed trade barriers protecting their domestic ethanol industries and have taken steps towards greater energy cooperation, particularly in advanced technologies,” said Elizabeth Farina, President and CEO of the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA). “We hope this partnership among leading trade associations will represent another important milestone towards developing a global biofuels market that provides clean, affordable and sustainable solutions to the planet's growing energy needs,” added Farina.

Michael McAdams, President of ABFA, expressed his excitement regarding the partnership with the Department of Commerce in this mission: “With several of our members already commercializing technology in Brazil,” McAdams explained, “the time is now to expand upon the relationship on biofuels between the two largest producers in the world. With the global population headed to nine billion people and growing climate change concerns, advanced biofuels from our countries are needed and this partnership will help advance that crucial goal.”

More information about the trade mission and how to apply can be found at the following website: http://www.brazilcouncil.org/events/export-green-trade-mission-biofuels-brazil.

About the Renewable Fuels Association
The Renewable Fuels Association is the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Its mission is to advance the development, production, and use of ethanol fuel by strengthening America’s ethanol industry and raising awareness about the benefits of renewable fuels. RFA’s members are working to help America become cleaner, safer, more energy independent and economically secure. For more information, visit www.EthanolRFA.org.

About UNICA
UNICA is the leading trade association for the sugarcane industry in Brazil, representing 60 percent of the country’s sugarcane production and processing. UNICA’s priorities include serving as a source for credible information and analysis about the efficiency and sustainability of sugarcane products, particularly ethanol. The association works to encourage the continuous advancement of sustainable practices throughout the sugarcane industry and to promote sugarcane-based biofuels as a clean, reliable and renewable alternative to fossil fuels. Visit english.unica.com.br.

About the ABFA
The Advanced Biofuels Association is focused on helping America transform to a low carbon economy. Our member companies have the skills and knowledge to build better fuels that will enhance our energy security. The ABFA has 46 member companies, representing a wide range of technologies, feedstocks, and molecules within the advanced biofuels industry. Our members are developing and commercializing their technologies to provide renewable, lower carbon fuels that will move our nation closer to achieving energy and economic security. Visit www.advancedbiofuelsassociation.com.