O girassol como alternativa à soja na produção de biodiesel em Mato Grosso: um estudo sobre os indicadores agroenergéticos, econômicos e socioambientais

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the almost exclusive dependence on soybeans as a raw material for biodiesel production in Mato Grosso, discussing the potential of sunflower as an alternative crop from an agro-energy/productive, economic, and socio-environmental perspective. The general objective was to compare soybean and sunflower crops regarding their competitiveness for biodiesel production in the state, identifying the most advantageous one. Specifically, it sought to characterize the productive scenario and supply chains of the two crops, evaluate their agro-energy efficiency, economic performance, and socio-environmental impacts, as well as identify the main obstacles to the consolidation of sunflower as a raw material for biodiesel. The relevance of the study lies in providing subsidies for the formulation of public policies and productive strategies aimed at the diversification and sustainability of the state's agro-energy matrix. Methodologically, the research adopted a mixed-methods approach, based on secondary data from official institutions, referring to the period from 2006 to 2024, using as an analytical instrument the competitiveness factors proposed by Van Duren, Martin and Westgren (1991), adapted by Batalha (2001), encompassing agro-energy, economic and socio-environmental factors. The results indicated that soybeans predominated in biodiesel production in Mato Grosso, reaching an average share of 69.89% in the period analyzed, mainly sustained by economic and productive advantages. Sunflowers showed superiority in agro-energy and socio-environmental factors, standing out for their energy efficiency, oil quality and lower environmental impacts, in addition to the potential for inclusion of family farming. However, its low economic competitiveness limits its expansion. It was concluded that agro-energy sustainability in Mato Grosso depends on reducing dependence on soybeans and strengthening complementary crops such as sunflowers, capable of promoting a balance between productive efficiency, social inclusion and environmental conservation.