Pursuit of ideal conditions to resume Industry growth will be top priority for new UNICA CEO

The definition of success for Brazil’s sugar-energy industry in coming years is directly connected to identifying the right conditions to bring back investments and expand production. The statement came from the new CEO at the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA), Elizabeth Farina, as she began her first day at the helm of the top organization representing Brazilian ethanol, sugar and bioelectricity producers.

“Resuming growth is the main objective for this industry as well as the government and society as a whole, because it matches the country’s key objective of increasing the pace of economic growth,” stated Farina. Referring to the main goals that define UNICA’s mission statement – Sustainability, Competitiveness and Communication – she added that the pursuit of this combination of vital ingredients currently translates into finding the paths that lead to growth, to ensure, among other things, a growing supply of ethanol that meets market demands, which continue to rise both domestically in Brazil and in other regions of the world.

Farina described the moment as “very appropriate” for her stated objectives. “The sugar-energy industry has been demonstrating quite clearly that it wants to expand, that its companies are capable and willing to invest to expand production and eliminate any idle capacity in our industries. More than that, there is a great deal of interest in investing in projects that enhance infrastructure and logistics, as well as acquisitions, some of which have already happened. In the end, it will all translate into efficiency gains, economies of scale and improved access to new markets,” she added.

UNICA’s new chief executive believes continuing success for fuel ethanol will be achieved with a combination of sustained private investments supported by well-defined public policies: “These are factors that must be regained, to ensure that the excellent future perspectives for the Brazilian sugar-energy industry become reality and benefit all of society. Wherever we look in the world, the efficient use of biofuels only becomes feasible when there’s a long-term plan associated with clear and objective public policies.”

“I am honored to have received the mission of galvanizing public and private interests to enhance our ability to provide a clean, renewable and recognized source of energy that benefits present and future generations with significant environmental gains. At the same time, it generates jobs in a broad, decentralized manner and with rising quality, along with technological development. I’m aware of the ongoing effort demanded by this enormous set of responsibilities, and also enthusiastic about the prospects and determined to make it all happen,” concluded Farina.

A former Professor at the Economics Department of the University of São Paulo’s Faculty of Economics, Business Administration and Accounting (FEA), Farina headed the Economics Department until her departure to join UNICA. She is also a former President of CADE, the Brazilian Competition Authority, and Deputy Coordinator of PENSA, the University of São Paulo’s Agribusiness Intelligence Think Tank.

Farina replaces Antonio de Padua Rodrigues, UNICA’s Technical Director, who stepped in as Acting President in March of 2012 and now returns to his prior position. Padua, as he’s known in the industry, took over the presidency after the departure of Marcos Jank, the former President and CEO of UNICA who had been in the position since June of 2007.