January 25, 2019
This morning we woke up and traveled right down the road to Caramuru. This is a processing plant for corn, soybeans, and sunflowers. We were introduced to the company and their brand, Sinha. They explained what the company focuses on in terms of production and goals.
We were then given a tour of the factory. We were shown how the soy oil is made starting with the lab and then the bottling procedure. To make plastic bottles it begins with a small vile and hot air is pushed into the bottle and it expands quickly to make the finished product that we are all know. We then walked to the portion that fills the bottles, places the labels, groups the bottles, and finally boxes the finished product. It was neat to see how quickly the oil could be made. It was also cool to the technology behind the making of products. We then saw how their cuscus is packaged. The Caramuru plant was so large we had to travel by bus to each of the buildings. We were able to see where they make their own energy by burning eucalyptus and using other bi-products from their company.
Once we had finished our tour we sat and had coffee with two individuals who work with the company. We discussed Brazilian agriculture versus agriculture in the United States. We also had a conversation about the perception of GMO’s in Brazil, United States, and Japan. It was interesting to see the perspective from a Brazilian food manufacturer.
We then had lunch at their facility and were able to see more of the company. They have a resting room, a room to watch T.V., and a game room (cards, ping pong, etc.). These are for their long lunch times they have in Brazil!
Afterward we traveled down the road to a Pioneer seed processing facility. Here we were given an overview on seed corn production. Then we walked through the plant and saw the whole process from the husking of corn to the packaging of the seed corn. We were able to hear from the manager and Johnny shared a little about how this plant compares to the one in Iowa. We thanked them for their time and then continued our journey to Brasilia.
For dinner we stopped at a gas station. It was a typical Brazilian gas station, but it had a surprise for us. Besides the strategically placed crocodile lawn decorations, there were waterfalls in the bathrooms! After the exciting stop, we then finished the trek to our hotel in Brasilia and called it a night.
Thank you Caramuru for the tour!
McKenzie and I showing the oil bottles before and after forming.
Thank you Pioneer for the tour!
Using our Portuguese skills to order dinner.
-Meredith and Phil