March 23, 2007

Spain's Natura considers US$200 million biodiesel plant
 

Spanish soybean crusher and biodiesel producer Natura is pondering to invest 150 million euros (US$200 million) for a soybean oil plant in Brazil's northeastern state of Bahia.

Oil from the plant would go to produce biodiesel.

Top Natura executives met with Bahia government officials to discuss investment possibilities. Company officials have asked for tax incentives and improvements in transport and port conditions to reduce costs, the Bahia government said in a statement.

Natura is controlled by Spanish engineering company Jimenez Belinchon, financial corporatiton Ahorro Corporacion and Spanish group Anlogar y Subus.

Bahia is one of Brazil's largest soybean producing states. Soybean is one of the oilseeds most used in the production of biodiesel.