“To avoid contamination with any transgenic seeds, it is essential to implement strict segregation measures…”
Luciano Carneiro is the founder and CEO of Milhão Ingredients, a company specialized in the processing and industrialization of non-GMO corn derivatives. Carneiro has a degree in civil engineering from the Federal University of Goiás.
Luciano Carneiro, founder and CEO of Milhão Ingredients
AgriBrasilis – What are the advantages of the non-GMO corn market?
Luciano Carneiro – The non-GMO corn market is growing due to the increasing demand for natural and healthy products. The advantages include access to premium markets, both domestic and international, where consumers are willing to pay more for non-GMO goods. In addition, non-GMO corn is associated with more sustainable agricultural practices, promoting biodiversity.
AgriBrasilis – How is it possible to guarantee scale and quality in the raw material, focusing on non-GMO corn?
Luciano Carneiro – Milhão heavily invests in supporting farmers, ensuring a supply chain of high-quality non-GMO corn. In addition in selecting farmers committed to regenerative agriculture practices, Milhão actively participates in the entire production process, from the careful selection of seeds up to financing the use of fertilizers, ensuring the farmers have the necessary inputs for sustainable production with high yield.
The company uses advanced technologies for traceability and quality control from the field to the consumer’s fork. Certification programs and regular audits are also essential to maintain the consistency and quality of the raw material. Another important point is that Milhão pays an additional premium to partner farmers, making the market even more profitable.
“The corn market has been volatile due to factors such as climate change, variations in input costs and fluctuations in global demand”
AgriBrasilis – How can it be guaranteed that there will be no contamination with transgenic grains in the supply chain?
Luciano Carneiro – To avoid contamination with any transgenic seeds, it is essential to implement strict segregation measures throughout the supply chain. This includes the adoption of dedicated and high-tech management practices, such as the use of exclusive facilities for storage and transportation, in addition to cleaning procedures between operations.
AgriBrasilis – How has the corn market been behaving? What are the expectations for the next season?
Luciano Carneiro – The corn market has been volatile due to factors such as climate change, variations in input costs and fluctuations in global demand. Expectations for the next harvest are for increased production, especially with the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices, productivity and focus on markets aligned with the company’s strategic planning, such as non-GMO corn. The scenario remains challenging due to economic and geopolitical uncertainties in Brazil and worldwide. It is important to highlight that Milhão Ingredients is present in more than 65 countries and on all continents, providing its special ingredients based on non-GMO corn.
AgriBrasilis – Does non-GMO corn respond to market fluctuations in the same way as GMO corn?
Luciano Carneiro – Non-GMO corn may respond differently to market fluctuations compared to GMO corn. Since it is for a specific market niche, its demand tends to be less volatile and more resilient to price fluctuations. However, limited supply and production costs may create additional challenges for farmers and the entire market.
AgriBrasilis – What has changed with the 50% stake sale to Amaggi?
Luciano Carneiro – With Amaggi’s entry into our share capital, we got strategic resources that enabled us to acquire the plant of one of our main competitors, located in Rio Verde, State of Goiás. This new phase brought significant advances, such as strengthening the company’s financial structure, increasing manufacturing capacity, with the expectation of doubling production, and expanding access to new markets and technologies. In addition, this strategic partnership allows for greater synergy in logistics and distribution operations in Brazil and worldwide, in addition to accelerating the development of new products and sustainable practices with yield increase.
AgriBrasilis – What are Milhão’s next investments?
Luciano Carneiro – Milhão Ingredients’ next investments are focused on expanding production capacity and sourcing of non-GMO corn and product innovation, in addition to regenerative agriculture practices. The company plans to invest in technology to improve traceability and operational efficiency, in addition to strengthening partnerships with farmers and expanding its presence in international markets.
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