IDENTIFYING SCENARIOS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MACAÚBA VALUE CHAINS AND WEBS IN BRAZIL

Novel crops are key for diversifying agricultural products for the bioeconomy. In this context, biodiversity offers a pool of resources. The macaúba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is an outstanding case of a novel crop, currently transitioning to cultivation in Brazil to produce vegetable oils and multiple biobased products. While this native palm is used as a non-timber forest product, its integration in agriculture is increasing. Technical advancements along the value chain (VC), from pre-breeding to high-added value products, are fostered by research and development. Entrepreneurs lead knowledge transfer and the development of VC processes, while governance strategies are being established. Ensuring a successful crop introduction and steering emerging macaúba VC towards sustainability are strategic goals. This work examines the prospects of macaúba VC and webs in Brazil, considering the knowledge base and on-going entrepreneurial activities, production processes and governance strategies. On this basis, key VC design parameters and potential scenarios of macaúba VC in Brazil are identified. At primary production, out-grower schemes are promoted for cultivating macaúba in smallholders’ farms, while plantation agriculture is an option for VC vertical integration. Agroforestry systems are prioritized as suitable cropping system for macaúba. At the processing stage, a variety of pre-treatment and biorefining levels, ranging from oil extraction to fractionation and by-product valorization, are being developed. Technologies differ in their scale, readiness and complexity. At the market stage, products from oils and fruit fractions as substitute or novel applications mainly for food and energy sectors are targeted. These scenarios show the interdependence between VC processes and outlook a diversified macaúba agro-industry in Brazil. This work presents a baseline to analyze potential sustainability implications, roadmap and identify strategies for macaúba VC in Brazil.