Verde Agritech is a pioneering company dedicated to addressing some of the world’s most critical challenges, including climate change, geopolitical security, longevity inequality, and food security. Its four-pillar approach positions Verde Agritech as a leader in sustainable solutions with a significant global impact.
Verde Agritech endeavors to develop the world’s largest carbon capture project, leveraging enhanced rock weathering to sequester atmospheric CO2, combat climate change, and promote a sustainable future.
By diversifying the global potash supply chain, Verde Agritech aims to reduce dependence on two primary suppliers, fostering stability and resilience in the essential agricultural resource.
Through nutrient enrichment and sustainable agricultural practices, Verde Agritech addresses hidden hunger and works to close the longevity gap, ensuring access to essential nutrients for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic background.
By developing and implementing cutting-edge technologies to increase fertilizer efficiency and agricultural productivity, Verde Agritech plays a vital role in promoting food security and environmental sustainability for future generations.
Verde Agritech stands out as a forward-thinking company devoted to making a tangible difference in the world. This unique combination of innovation and commitment to creating a more equitable, healthy, and prosperous future for all highlights the company’s significance in the global sustainability landscape.
Verde AgriTech is a pioneering agricultural technology company leading the way in CO2 capture through Enhanced Rock Weathering. Since our establishment in 2005, research and development have been the cornerstone of our work. After extensive studies on the crop nutrition market, we made the strategic decision to invest in potassium production—an essential nutrient for agriculture. Traditionally, Potassium Chloride, also known as KCl, has been the primary fertilizer used as a potassium source. However, studies have uncovered the adverse effects of excessive chloride on soil health and microbiome balance. In contrast, our focus has been on conducting research in Brazil to identify sustainable agricultural initiatives that not only enhance soil biodiversity but also promote long-term ecological balance. Recognizing the potential of integrating agriculture and carbon capture solutions, we set out to make a positive global impact. By uniting these two fields, we envision a future where sustainable farming practices and carbon capture technologies work synergistically, delivering multiple benefits to the environment and agricultural communities alike.
Following extensive geological research, including over 40,000 meters of drilling and chemical analysis, we commissioned an independent mineral resource and reserve study compliant with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standard. This study revealed mineral resources exceeding 3.32 billion tonnes of naturally occurring Glauconitic Siltstone, also known for its potassium content, a vital nutrient for plant growth. This geological occurrence is situated in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, near key food-producing regions. Our resource's strategic location plays a vital role in reducing carbon emissions linked to the transportation and distribution of minerals. This fosters a more sustainable supply chain, aligning with our commitment to environmental responsibility.
The introduction of our flagship product, K Forte® (also known as Super Greensand®), played a pivotal role in our journey. Developed through our proprietary technologies, K Forte® has demonstrated its ability to enhance soil fertility, improve water retention, and nourish crops, resulting in healthier plants and significantly increased yields. In 2020, we expanded our product line with the launch of BAKS®, an innovative solution that combines K Forte® with carefully selected nutrients. This breakthrough allows farmers to customize nutrient compositions based on the unique requirements of each crop. BAKS® provides a cost-efficient option by consolidating multiple nutrients into a single fertilizer, reducing the frequency of applications throughout the year and resulting in operational cost savings for farmers. From 2017 to 2022, we successfully deployed 1.42 million tonnes of our products in agricultural soils, showcasing the widespread adoption and trust placed in our solutions by farmers worldwide.
In 2022, we launched Bio Revolution, our technology that allows the incorporation of microorganisms into mineral fertilizers. Setting a new standard in the industry, K Forte® became the world's first fertilizer to utilize the Bio Revolution technology. Bacillus aryabhattai, globally renowned for its significant agricultural benefits, was the first microorganism incorporated into our products. Biologicals are a game-changing approach to the field of agriculture, delivering a multitude of significant benefits throughout its value chain. The adoption of biologicals brings about a transformative shift, offering improved soil health, reduced input costs, higher crop yields, diminished greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced customer satisfaction, and augmented income for farmers. Today, we hold the distinction of being the largest company in the world that produces mineral fertilizers with added microorganisms.
In 2018, Verde built its first production facility, Plant 1, and began commercial production. Within a few years, we undertook expansion efforts to increase the production capacity of Plant 1 to 0.6 million tonnes per year (Mtpy). In 2020 and 2021, we experienced sold-out production. In 2022, we initiated and successfully completed the construction of our second production facility, Plant 2. The expansion process for Plant 2 was finalized within the same year, doubling its production capacity from 1.2 Mtpy to 2.4 Mtpy. Furthermore, we operate a Bioproduction facility, designed for large-scale production of biological additives and the incorporation of microorganisms into our products using our proprietary technology, Bio Revolution. In addition to our production plants, we also operate three research laboratories focusing on Microbiology, Mineralogy, and Agronomy. To date, our investments in R&D and infrastructure have surpassed C$111 million.
Today we are developing one of the world's largest carbon capture projects. Through Enhanced Rock Weathering, each tonne of our product has the potential to permanently capture 120 kg of CO2 from the atmosphere, while simultaneously providing potash to plants, an essential nutrient. In 2022, Verde Agritech became Brazil's largest potash producer by capacity, boasting an annual production capacity of 3.00 million tonnes. Therefore, the Company can currently capture and offset up to 0.36 million tonnes of CO2 per year, while simultaneously supplying essential potash nutrients to plants. As Brazil's largest potash producer by capacity, we have na installed annual production capacity of 3.00 million tonnes. Therefore, we can currently capture and offset up to 0.36 million tonnes of CO2 per year, Verde AgriTech is currently pursuing an ISO 14064 certification for its carbon credits. Notably, we already hold ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications, evidencing our dedication to quality management and environmental responsibility.
Our goal is to achieve an annual production capacity of 50 million tonnes, establishing Verde AgriTech as one of the world's largest carbon capture projects. By accomplishing this milestone, we aim to permanently remove up to 6.0 million tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere annually. Furthermore, we are committed to remaining at the industry forefront by developing innovative technologies and pioneering new products. Through continuous investments in research and development, as well as operations optimization, we bring together the best of nature and technology to revolutionize agriculture, making it healthier, more productive, profitable, and sustainable.
CEO
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Cristiano Veloso earned a certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy from Harvard BusinessSchool (USA), he holds a Master’s Degree from the University of East Anglia (UK) and a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil). Mr. Veloso has nearly two decades of experience and knowledge in the agricultural and mineral sectors.
He leads Verde as an innovative company which seeks to revolutionize global production of food through sustainable technologie.
CFO
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Mr. Paolucci is an executive with over 15 years of experience in finance in multinational companies such Arysta (UPL), Unilever and Deloitte.
Mr. Paolucci has over 9 years of experience in the agricultural business working for Arysta, a part of the UPL group, the world’s fifth largest agrochemical and biosolutions company, with over US$5 billion sales. As an executive at Arysta, he focused on finance, logistics, procurement and planning across both Brazil and Latin America.
Mr. Paolucci holds an MBA from Insper and a BA in management and finance from Fumec University, Brazil.
Independent
Director
Diretora Independente
Mrs. Oliveira Cezar Coelho is the founding and managing partner of STS GAEA Capital and board member in multiple companies with billion-plus market valuation, such as Raízen S.A.,the second largest fuel distribution company in Brazil, and Energisa S.A., the fifth largest electricity distribution group in Brazil. Before founding STS GAEA in 2013, Mrs. Oliveira Cezar Coelho was one of the founding partners of STK Capital, an asset management company focused on public equities and also of the financial advisory boutique Virtus BR Partners. Prior to Virtus, she was the Managing Director responsible for the coverage of clients in the industrial segment at Banco Santander and Managing Director of the Industrials and Conglomerates Advisory Group at ABN Amro. Before ABN Amro, Mrs. Oliveira Cezar Coelho was Vice President in the Investment Banking division of Merrill Lynch in SP and in the Merger and Acquisitions Group in NY. Previously, she was an Associate in the Merger and Acquisitions Group of Lehman Brothers in NY. Mrs. Oliveira Cezar Coelho is also certified for membership of Fiscal Committee by the Brazilian Institute of Corporate Governance (IBGC).
Independent
Director
Diretor Independente
Mr. Prezzotto is a serial entrepreneur focused on innovative solutions for agribusiness. In 2021 he was elected by Ernst & Young the entrepreneur of the year in Brazil. He is the founder and CEO of SEMPRE AgTech, a company focused on the genetic improvement of plants, on the research of transgenic events and on the creation of eco-friendly biopesticides with RNAi technology and other gene editing techniques. He is also the founder and CEO of Produce, a company that provides agricultural inputs and technical services to producers of all crops, with over 3,800 sales consultants throughout Brazil. Mr. Prezzoto acts as a mentor and entrepreneur of Endeavor, an acceleration network for companies, present in over 40 markets around the world. He is an angel investor in multiple startups, with a focus on emerging markets. In addition to his corporate activities, Mr. Prezzoto is also a farmer with ongoing agricultural production.
Independent Director
Diretora Independente
Ms. Lee has been in investment management for 36 years. She has worked with the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, Morgan Grenfell and Commerzbank and National University of Singapore Endowment office. In 2008 Ms. Lee founded Athenaeum Pte Ltd, an investment and advisory company which offers high- level Strategic Asset Allocation consultancy to Family Offices, as well as investments in Private Assets. She is an Independent Non-Executive Director of HKSE listed First Pacific Co, where she is Chair of Audit and Risk Management Committee. Ms. Lee is also Board Director of Singapore Institute of Management and Chair of Investment Committee, and The Arts House Limited where she is Lead Director and also Chair of Audit and Risk Committee. Madeleine Lee has a BA Honours in Economics and Accounting and an MBA and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Ms. Lee is also a Fellow of the Eisenhower Fellowship, US.
Independent
Director
Diretor Independente
Renato Gomes is co-Founder & President of Pix Force, ranked as Brazil’s number one artificial intelligence startup, he is also co-Founder and a Board Director of Graphite Company of the Americas, which is developing a graphite mine and processing plant in Brazil.
Mr. Gomes holds a degree in electronics and a law degree both from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil), a masters degree from the London School of Economics (U.K.) and a doctorate from Georgetown University (U.S.A.).
Ana Clara Pereira, M.Sc.
Rodrigo Mac Leod, M.Sc.
Rinamara Rosa, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Rafaela Santos, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Rafael Abreu, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Lillian Oliveira, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Gislaine De Sa, M.Sc.
Gessyca Silva, M.Sc.
Fernanda Sales, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Ernesto Lopes, M.Sc.
Douglas Castro, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Dayana Faria, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Carla Pelizari, M.Sc.
Camila Souza, Ph.D., M.Sc.
These investments total over C$111 million directed towards comprehensive studies, research initiatives, and infrastructure projects to date.
Within these facilities, our team of experts, researchers, and engineers work together in close collaboration to develop cutting-edge solutions. Our facilities include a Chemistry Lab, Geochemistry Lab, and Microbiology Lab
Their dedication to academic excellence and their ability to contribute valuable insights bring wealth of knowledge and expertise to our organization. This team enhances our capabilities in various areas of research and development, positioning Verde to effectively tackle complex challenges and drive forward our research initiatives
Verde operates three research labs focusing on Microbiology, Mineralogy, and Agronomy.
The Microbiology Lab plays a pivotal role in driving the ongoing development of new products and technologies. Serving as a central hub for bioprospecting, it is devoted to conducting research and cultivating novel microorganisms. These microorganisms are meticulously studied for their potential application in our Bio Revolution technology, while simultaneously being evaluated for their applicability in other groundbreaking solutions.
The Mineralogy Lab employs cutting-edge technological equipment to conduct precise physical and chemical analyses across a wide range of materials. The analyses performed in this lab ensure that our products, conceived with advanced built-in technologies, adhere to the most stringent quality control standards.
Over the course of 11 years, we have established multiple agronomic research sites that serve as vital laboratories for evaluating the performance and effectiveness of our products in real-world field conditions. These sites have played a pivotal role in conducting agronomic tests, enabling us to gather invaluable insights and data. This information has been instrumental in driving both the development of new products and technologies and the continuous improvement of our existing solutions.
Verde’s production plants are based in São Gotardo, Minas Gerais State, Brazil
With our current installed production capacity of 3.00 million tonnes per year, we have the capability to capture and offset up to 0.36 million tonnes of CO2 annually.
Plant 1, with a production capacity of 0.6 million tonnes per year, leverages a diverse array of cutting-edge technologies to drive its operations. The integration of Micro S Technology, 3D Alliance, Cambridge Tech, and Bio Revolution plays a pivotal role in elevating the performance of our products, while simultaneously ensuring enhanced efficiency and increased sustainability.
Plant 2, with a production capacity of 2.4 million tonnes per year, is dedicated exclusively to large-scale production. To achieve this objective, Plant 2 leverages the cutting-edge technologie of Cambridge Tech in its operations. This advanced technologie is specifically designed to ensure superior product outputs while optimizing operations with efficient and streamlined production processes.
Our Bioproduction Plant excels in large-scale production of meticulously selected biological additives, cultivated in our Microbiology Research Lab. These additives are seamlessly incorporated into our products through the Bio Revolution technology.
Mineral Resources
After conducting extensive geological research, including over 40,000 meters of drilling and chemical analysis, Verde commissioned an independent mineral resource and reserve study compliant with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 standard
This study revealed combined measured and indicated mineral resources of 1.47 billion tonnes at 9.28% K2O and inferred mineral resources of 1.85 billion tonnes at 8.60% K2O, with a 7.5% K2O cut-off grade.
Adhering to the NI 43-101 standard guarantees the consistent mineral composition of our rock and the absence of contaminants.
The state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is home to this significant geological occurrence
Its strategic location adjacent to key food-producing regions plays a vital role in reducing carbon emissions associated with the transportation and distribution of the rock and fosters a more sustainable supply chain.
From 2017 to 2022, we successfully applied 1.42 million tonnes of our rock to agricultural soils, showcasing the positive impact of its potassium content on soil fertility
Moreover, we possess the capacity to deploy the additional 3.32 billion tonnes from our directly controlled mineral resources in future years.
Our Impact
KCl is the conventional source of potassium. Despite its effectiveness as a potassium fertilizer, the production and use of KCl have resulted in significant environmental and social costs.
In Q1 2023, 8,559 tonnes of chloride have been prevented from being applied into soils by farmers who used our products in lieu of potassium chloride fertilizers, totalling 121,201 tonnes prevented since the Company started production.
With our current installed production capacity of 3.00 million tonnes per year, we have the capability to capture and offset up to 0.36 million tonnes of CO2 annually. In our 50.00 million tonnes production scenario, we aim to emerge as one of the world’s largest carbon capture projects, with a substantial total of 6.00 million tonnes of CO2 permanently removed from the atmosphere each year.
Our mineral resources possess the remarkable total carbon removal potential of 0.40 gigatonnes of CO2.
As part of our dedication to combat deforestation, we have undertaken a commitment to refrain from our products in 218 municipalities predominantly covered by the Amazon rainforest, except for native tree reforestation projects. This commitment encompasses a total area of 2.23 million sq km.
Furthermore, since 2019, we have actively engaged in reforestation initiatives, planting over 30,000 native trees in the state of Minas Gerais. Among these trees, we have prioritized the planting of thousands of endangered species.
We are deeply committed to community development and actively engage in social initiatives that foster partnerships and contribute positively to local communities. Our comprehensive initiatives include support for sports and culture, environmental education programs, daily safety dialogue sessions, monthly awareness campaigns, internal forest fire brigade training, and other projects aimed at enhancing the welfare of both our local communities and employees.
This amounts to 295.70 million tonnes of potash in K2O, sufficient to last generations supplying most of the Brazilian market.
Source: Brazilian Foreign Trade Statistics (Comex Stat).
Low water consumption
Mine predominantly located on degraded pasturelands sites
No chemical consumption
All the mined area is being transformed into tropical forest
No tailings dams or waste by-products
CEO
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Cristiano Veloso earned a certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy from Harvard BusinessSchool (USA), he holds a Master’s Degree from the University of East Anglia (UK) and a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil).Mr. Veloso has nearly two decades of experience and knowledge in the agricultural and mineral sectors.
He leads Verde as an innovative company which seeks to revolutionize global production of food through sustainable technologie.
CFO
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Mr. Paolucci is an executive with over 15 years of experience in finance in multinational companies such Arysta (UPL), Unilever and Deloitte.
Mr. Paolucci has over 9 years of experience in the agricultural business working for Arysta, a part of the UPL group, the world’s fifth largest agrochemical and biosolutions company, with over US$5 billion sales. As an executive at Arysta, he focused on finance, logistics, procurement and planning across both Brazil and Latin America.
Mr. Paolucci holds an MBA from Insper and a BA in management and finance from Fumec University, Brazil.
Independent Director
Independent Director
Ms. Lee has been in investment management for 36 years. She has worked with the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, Morgan Grenfell and Commerzbank and National University of Singapore Endowment office. In 2008 Ms. Lee founded Athenaeum Pte Ltd, an investment and advisory company which offers high- level Strategic Asset Allocation consultancy to Family Offices, as well as investments in Private Assets. She is an Independent Non-Executive Director of HKSE listed First Pacific Co, where she is Chair of Audit and Risk Management Committee. Ms. Lee is also Board Director of Singapore Institute of Management and Chair of Investment Committee, and The Arts House Limited where she is Lead Director and also Chair of Audit and Risk Committee. Madeleine Lee has a BA Honours in Economics and Accounting and an MBA and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Ms. Lee is also a Fellow of the Eisenhower Fellowship, US.
Independent Director
Independent Director
Renato Gomes is co-Founder & President of Pix Force, ranked as Brazil’s number one artificial intelligence startup, he is also co-Founder and a Board Director of Graphite Company of the Americas, which is developing a graphite mine and processing plant in Brazil.
Mr. Gomes holds a degree in electronics and a law degree both from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil), a masters degree from the London School of Economics (U.K.) and a doctorate from Georgetown University (U.S.A.).
Independent Director
Independent Director
Alysson Paolinelli is the President of the Brazilian Association of Corn Producers (“Abramilho”). Mr. Paolinelli held positions such as the Brazilian Minister of Agriculture, President of the National Confederation of Agriculture, President of Minas Gerais State Bank, Congressman, Secretary of Agriculture for Minas Gerais State, and Professor and Dean of Lavras University.
In 2006 he was awarded the World Food Prize. Mr. Paolinelli has been nominated for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize.
Independent Director
Independent Director
Mrs. Oliveira Cezar Coelho is the founding and managing partner of STS GAEA Capital and board member in multiple companies with billion-plus market valuation, such as Raízen S.A.,the second largest fuel distribution company in Brazil, and Energisa S.A., the fifth largest electricity distribution group in Brazil. Before founding STS GAEA in 2013, Mrs. Oliveira Cezar Coelho was one of the founding partners of STK Capital, an asset management company focused on public equities and also of the financial advisory boutique Virtus BR Partners. Prior to Virtus, she was the Managing Director responsible for the coverage of clients in the industrial segment at Banco Santander and Managing Director of the Industrials and Conglomerates Advisory Group at ABN Amro. Before ABN Amro, Mrs. Oliveira Cezar Coelho was Vice President in the Investment Banking division of Merrill Lynch in SP and in the Merger and Acquisitions Group in NY. Previously, she was an Associate in the Merger and Acquisitions Group of Lehman Brothers in NY. Mrs. Oliveira Cezar Coelho is also certified for membership of Fiscal Committee by the Brazilian Institute of Corporate Governance (IBGC).
Independent Director
Independent Director
Mr. Prezzotto is a serial entrepreneur focused on innovative solutions for agribusiness. In 2021 he was elected by Ernst & Young the entrepreneur of the year in Brazil. He is the founder and CEO of SEMPRE AgTech, a company focused on the genetic improvement of plants, on the research of transgenic events and on the creation of eco-friendly biopesticides with RNAi technology and other gene editing techniques. He is also the founder and CEO of Produce, a company that provides agricultural inputs and technical services to producers of all crops, with over 3,800 sales consultants throughout Brazil. Mr. Prezzoto acts as a mentor and entrepreneur of Endeavor, an acceleration network for companies, present in over 40 markets around the world. He is an angel investor in multiple startups, with a focus on emerging markets. In addition to his corporate activities, Mr. Prezzoto is also a farmer with ongoing agricultural production.
Certifications
International and Local Certifications
Organic Agriculture
Quality Control
Technical Standards
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