Projects
Food Irradiation
Brazil is one of the largest agricultural producing countries in the world. In June 2001, Brazilian Resources formed SecureFoods, a U.S.-based wholly-owned subsidiary intending to develop gamma ray ionization facilities in Brazil and export treated food products to North America. SecureFoods has obtained exclusive rights in Brazil to an irradiation technology particularly well suited for application to food.Gamma ray ionization is a process that exposes food products to a controlled amount of radiant energy. The irradiation process extends the shelf life of many agricultural products, thus permitting the opportunity for more cost effective transportation of these foods as well as extending the time for consumption. This process will also neutralize harmful bacteria like e-coli and salmonella. Brazilian Resources believes this technology will replace many outdated food sanitation treatment processes necessary for food importation to the U.S.
All necessary permits and approvals have either been received, applied for or are in process except permits and approvals that are premature to obtain. It is expected that the additional licenses will be obtained when needed. The Company's wholly-owned Brazilian subsidiary, Gamma - Serviços de Irradiação Ltda, has acquired a property where the first irradiator facility is expected to be built. This facility is expected to house four irradiators with possible expansion to eight. SecureFoods has identified four other municipalities as potential locations for additional facilities as demand grows. Brazilian Resources believes it has a significant advantage by being the first in Brazil to begin this process with exclusive equipment usage rights, as noted above.
SecureFoods is planned to be a value-added service to exporters of fruits and vegetables to the U.S. In addition, SecureFoods plans to purchase, treat and export its own fruits and vegetables. The Company is also working to develop the market in the U.S. for the Brazilian irradiated products. With heightened consumer awareness for food safety coupled with reduced transportation costs and increased shelf life, the Company believes SecureFoods offers an opportunity to generate significant cash flow. If Brazilian Resources acquires financing by Q4 2009, it expects to commence construction of its first facility in the first half of 2010 and launch commercial operations in the second half of 2010.