# Corn ethanol expands but sustainability challenges persist

> Brazil's corn ethanol production grows, yet environmental concerns over deforestation and market risks linger.
- Title: Corn ethanol expands but sustainability challenges persist
- Summary: Brazil's corn ethanol production grows, yet environmental concerns over deforestation and market risks linger.
- Keywords: corn ethanol, brazil, conab, dried distiller's grains, mato grosso, ethanol production, deforestation, sustainable aviation fuel, valorinternational
- Source: valorinternational — https://valorinternational.globo.com/agribusiness/news/2026/11/05/corn-ethanol-expands-but-sustainability-remains-a-challenge.ghtml
- Published: 2026-11-05T21:00:00.552+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: corn ethanol, brazil, conab, dried distiller's grains, mato grosso, ethanol production, deforestation, sustainable aviation fuel, business, money
## Corn ethanol expansion
Brazil's corn ethanol production surged beginning in 2017, reaching 10 billion liters by 2026/27.
## Sustainability concerns
Environmental and social concerns arise from deforestation linked to biofuel production.
## European criticism
European Parliament member Sigfriid Friis questions grain cultivation for fuel, following Lula's rejection of Brazilian biofuels.
## Brazilian model
Brazil produces two crops annually, reducing land competition and food production needs.
## Dried distiller's grains
Corn ethanol produces dried distiller's grains (DDG), a protein-rich livestock feed.
## Production growth
Brazilian grain production is expected to reach 367.1 million tonnes in 2026/27, with corn driving 148 million tonnes.
## Market expansion
Ethanol production is expected to reach 16.63 billion liters by 2033/34, targeting shipping and aviation markets.
## Deforestation risks
Mato Grosso's state prosecutor investigates clearing native vegetation for plant boilers.
## Sustainability challenges
Ethanol's environmental impact remains unclear due to deforestation and market uncertainties.
## Key takeaway

Brazil's corn ethanol production increased by 2.4% to 148 million tonnes in 2026/27, but deforestation risks and market uncertainties threaten sustainability.