BRUSSELS, Belgium, May 14 /PRNewswire/ --

In order to better contribute to the ongoing debate on ethanol and climate change and in line with its global strategy, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) has opened an office in Brussels and appointed a European Representative. The move follows the opening of an office in Washington D.C. in late 2007.

At a time when the EU is looking to sustainably reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, UNICA believes sugarcane ethanol is well-placed to be a key part of the solution. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to gasoline and is environmentally and economically viable without subsidies. Sugarcane ethanol has been in large-scale commercial use in Brazil since the mid 1970s, and is by far the most successful and efficient known feedstock for the production of ethanol.

According to UNICA International Advisor Geraldine Kutas, given Brazil's strong position on the ethanol market, the organisation's presence in Europe "will ensure stakeholder dialogue on all aspects of sugarcane ethanol production, including the socio-economic and environmental contributions of sugarcane, ethanol and bioelectricity".

UNICA's newly-appointed representative Emmanuel Desplechin, who brings several years of experience working with ethanol, added: "Sugarcane ethanol, produced with environmental and social care, will quickly become a global energy commodity. Sugarcane production can boost economies in developing nations and contribute significantly in the search for solutions to the global challenges of energy security and climate change".

ABOUT UNICA

The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) represents the top producers of sugar and ethanol in the country's South-Central region, especially the state of Sao Paulo, the heart of the sugarcane industry. Along with its 110 member companies, UNICA provides information on the sector, including statistics and specific research, and enters into dialogue with stakeholders in support of Brazil's sugar, ethanol and bioelectricity sectors. Its member companies account for more than 60% of Brazil's sugarcane harvest. In 2007/08, Brazil produced 487 million metric tons of sugarcane, which yielded 30.6 million tons of sugar and 22 billion liters of ethanol - second only to the United States in total ethanol production.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Michael Stanton-Geddes Fleishman-Hillard EU Brussels, Belgium michael.stantongeddes@fleishmaneurope.com T. +32(0)2-282-09-73 F. +32(0)2-230-57-06 Adhemar Altieri Corporate Communications Director Sao Paulo, Brazil aaltieri@unica.com.br T. (+55-11)-3093-4949 F. (+55-11)-3812-1416

Web site: http://www.portalunica.com.br

Michael Stanton-Geddes, Fleishman-Hillard EU, Brussels, Belgium, +32-0-2-282-0973, fax, +32-0-2-230-5706, michael.stantongeddes@fleishmaneurope.com; or Adhemar Altieri, Corporate Communications Director, Sao Paulo, Brazil, +55-11-3093-4949, fax, +55-11-3812-1416, aaltieri@unica.com.br