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About us
History
Innovation and Sustainability: Brazil's First Wheat Ethanol Plant
The history of CB Bioenergia is deeply rooted in the legacy of determination and innovation of Antônio Vivaldino Bonotto and the entrepreneurial vision of his son, Cássio Souza Bonotto.
Antônio Vivaldino Bonotto was born on May 9, 1932, in the Ernesto Alves district of Santiago, Rio Grande do Sul. From a young age, he demonstrated a remarkable capacity for work, working as a greengrocer, milk delivery boy, and waiter. With effort and dedication, he began farming on small plots of land, focusing on wheat cultivation. His dedication led him to become, in the 1970s, the largest individual wheat farmer in Latin America, as highlighted by VEJA magazine at the time.
In addition to his achievements in agribusiness, Antônio was a benefactor to the Santiago community, donating land for the construction of the Regional Integrated University (URI) and other local institutions. Following in his father's footsteps, Cássio Souza Bonotto began his agricultural career in 1993, cultivating 80 hectares.
With strategic vision and dedication, it expanded its operations to 53,000 hectares of soybeans in the summer and 42,000 hectares of wheat in the winter, covering seven municipalities.
Challenges
The Wheat Ethanol Revolution in Brazil
Facing the challenges of volatile wheat quality due to climate factors, Cássio sought innovative solutions to add value to production. Inspired by corn ethanol plants in the Central-West region, he decided to invest in the construction of Brazil's first wheat ethanol plant.
In 2025, CB Bioenergia inaugurated its plant in Santiago, the result of a R$110 million investment. The plant has the capacity to process 30,000 tons of wheat annually, producing 12 million liters of ethanol . In addition to biofuel, the plant generates byproducts such as DDGS (high-protein animal feed) and CO₂ for industrial use.
CB Bioenergia represents the continuation of Antônio Vivaldino Bonotto 's pioneering spirit, combining tradition and innovation to strengthen Brazilian agribusiness and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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