Amyris–Crystalsev Biocombustiveis (Amyris–Crystalsev Biofuels) announced today that former Brazilian Minister of Agriculture, Roberto Rodrigues, has become the founding member of its strategic advisory board. Amyris–Crystalsev Biofuels is a Brazilian venture formed by Amyris, a U.S.–based next generation renewable fuels company, and Crystalsev, one of Brazil´s largest ethanol distributors and marketers. Rodrigues, a recognized leader in agricultural business and production, will advise the venture regarding commercialization of Amyris diesel fuel made from sugarcane.
Mr. Rodrigues served as Brazil´s minister of agriculture for four years (2003–2006), during President Lula´s first term in office. He currently serves as president of the Superior Council of Agribusiness of Sao Paulo´s Federation of Industries (FIESP) and co–chairs the Interamerican Ethanol Commission and the International Biofuels Commission. Mr. Rodrigues has also served as president of the Brazilian Rural Society and the International Cooperatives Alliance and has represented the Brazilian agribusiness sector in several government advisory roles, including the National Agricultural Policy Council, the National Monetary Council, the National Foreign Trade Council and the National Agribusiness Forum.
"Roberto Rodrigues is a recognized leader and expert in agricultural engineering and production in Brazil and throughout the world," said John Melo, CEO of Amyris. "We are honored that someone of his caliber and expertise has become the first member of the Amyris–Crystalsev strategic advisory board."
"Amyris–Crystalsev is embarking on a ground breaking new path for commercializing next generation biofuels that will help Brazil and the world combat global warming," Rodrigues said. "I am looking forward to joining the team and helping out with this exciting and innovative endeavor."
About Amyris
Amyris Inc. (www.amyris.com) is applying its proprietary breakthrough technologies to address major global health and energy challenges. Amyris´ technologies are used to produce high–value compounds to enable the production of a slate of renewable hydrocarbon biofuels which are expected to be cost–effective and compatible with existing engines and distribution infrastructure. In addition, Amyris develops technologies to produce lower cost artemisinin–based anti–malarial drugs. Based in Emeryville, CA, Amyris is a privately–held venture backed company whose investors include DAG Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and TPG Biotech.
About Amyris–Crystalsev Biofuels
Amyris–Crystalsev Biofuels, established in March 2008, is a Brazilian joint venture between Amyris and Crystalsev formed to work with Brazilian sugarcane mills and fuel producers to quickly scale production of the Amyris renewable diesel fuel. The new venture recently opened laboratory and office facilities in Campinas, Brazil and is expected to launch its first pilot plant in early 2009.
