As a food technician at our Rondonópolis biodiesel plant in Brazil, Edilaine Almeida da Fonseca helps to maintain the high quality of our products through in-depth laboratory analysis.

Specialising in soybean and biodiesel, she is responsible for overseeing quality from the arrival of the raw material to the extraction of vital ingredients and creation of the final product. She believes that women have plenty of opportunities in the agricultural sector. However, there are still some obstacles and perceptions to overcome, with women sometimes having to work harder to prove themselves professionally in the face of bias, despite being capable and wanting to make a difference in society.

With a longstanding interest in science and the environment, Edilaine holds a postgraduate degree in environmental technology, and had always imagined working in a laboratory. She was keen to work for COFCO International, as a recognised company in the Brazil agri-industry. It has been a great learning experience, both at a technical and product level, with Edilaine exploring in the physical chemical analysis of biodiesel for the first time.

Importantly, she had also heard good feedback about the business being a welcoming and supportive company. Joining in 2018, initially on a temporary basis, she enjoyed being part of the team, and soon progressed to a senior laboratory analyst. She has embraced the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, as the business itself continues to innovate and expand.