Sugarcane, Soy & Maize – Brazil

Key Facts

• Client: ACP Bioenergia
• Term: 10-year term loan 
• Guarantee instrument: Maturity Subordination
• Guarantee exposure: BRL 50 Mln / USD 10 Mln (50% of loan value)
• Effective date: July 2024

Deal Summary

AGRI3 is supporting the mobilisation of BRL 100 Mln (~USD 20 Mln) from Rabobank Brazil for ACP Bioenergia, one of Brazil’s largest sugarcane producers, which manages more than 75,000 ha across multiple states and employs 2,000 people.

The loan supports the further expansion of ACP’s regenerative farming ambition, including the conversion of 5,000 ha of degraded pastureland to row crops, the improvement of underproductive sugarcane land, and investment in biological input factories and composting facilities. The company aims to farm 120,000 ha under sustainable and transitioning regenerative practices.

Impact Rationale

ACP has already achieved the VIVE Claim-level sustainability certification (benchmarked to SAI FSA Silver) for sugarcane, and this investment will extend and deepen its sustainable agriculture footprint. Environmental commitments include restoring 5,000 ha of degraded land, increasing the area under sustainable management to 98,000 ha, and expanding biological input facilities to reduce chemical pesticide dependency. GHG intensity per hectare has already declined 12.5% since 2021 through improved practices, and this trajectory will continue with ongoing monitoring and reporting.

ACP’s commitment to inclusive employment is reflected in targets for job creation and training. The company currently employs 2,000 people and targets additional jobs as the farm area expands toward 120,000 ha. A training programme covering regenerative agriculture techniques and industry skills will upskill workers, with participation disaggregated by gender.

Impact Targets

Protection of natural ecosystem (direct and indirect)

Sustainable agriculture

Improved rural livelihoods