A state
located to the north of Goiás. The capital is Palmas. Palmas is
a NEW city. It is only 15 years old. It has a new airport and is
serviced by all major carriers. The Palmas region is very low
elevation. It is only 200 meters above sea level. It is a very
very HOT place to live.
Tocantins soybean production has grown to 1 million metric tons
this past year. This is only 2% of all Brazil production but
considering 5 years ago when their production was nearly zero,
it represents explosive growth. All 3 multi-national grain
companies have built silos there. In the city of Porto National,
which is to the south of Palmas, is the future site of a
Biodiesel plant. Sugarcane companies are also looking at the
area.
The soil in Tocantins is more variable than Mato Grosso and
Bahia. It will have streaks of clay, sand, and gravel. However
locals say that once soils are balanced, it matters not for
production potential. Land prices are down 50% from a year ago.
Land that was selling for 30,000 reais per Alqueres (12 acres),
is now selling for 15,000 reais per alqueres. This converts to
550 USD per acre.
Palmas is located far enough north that beans go to the port of
São Luis, MA located on the Atlantic ocean. The Norte-Sul
railroad has reached Araguaia, TO and will be extended to Palmas
by then end of 2009. This will connect Tocatins to port São
Luís, MA. Future plans call for section to be built from central
Tocantins to Lucas do Rio Verde, MT. Tocantins will be
strategically placed to benefit form reduced transportation
costs to ports.
Investment groups from the USA have invested large sums of money
in the region. Americans farmers have bought land in the area.
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