Sustaining Ecosystems and Soil Health with Brazil Nuts
Beneficiadora San Agustin (BSA), located in Bolivia's Amazon region, has become one of the country's leading exporters of Brazil nuts, locally known as Amazon nuts. Through its operations, BSA supports rainforest preservation and empowers local communities. Brazil nut trees also play a vital role in soil health, making their conservation essential.
Building stability amid market fluctuations
Established in 2001, BSA traces its roots to a family business started by the father of the current owner. responsAbility has been working with BSA since 2014. Our financing has helped BSA manage market challenges and sustained growth, even amidst volatility. For example, during the difficult 2022/23 season, characterized by weak international demand and a poor national Brazil nut harvest, BSA continued operating while others paused. This resilience kept BSA’s own business thriving and also helped safeguard the broader Brazil nut value chain in Bolivia.
Demand for Brazil Nuts as a shield for nature
BSA’s work plays a key role in both the local economy and ecological preservation. By exporting Brazil nuts from Bolivia’s Amazon regions of Pando, Beni, and La Paz, BSA provides a highly nutritious superfood to global markets while contributing to the protection of the Amazon rainforest.1 Bolivian laws strictly prohibit the felling of Brazil nut trees, ensuring the conservation of these vital ecosystems. As Brazil nuts are harvested from wild rainforests spanning Brazil, Bolivia and Peru, sustained demand for Brazil nuts directly contributes to preservation of the Amazon’s biodiversity and soil health.
The Brazil nut’s role in soil health
Research shows that leaves and decaying fruit from Brazil nut trees improve soil structure and increase organic matter, enriching the soil with essential nutrients like nitrogen and potassium.2 Their deep root systems enhance water retention, stabilize soils, and prevent erosion. By promoting sustainable harvesting practices, BSA helps ensure that these ecological benefits are sustained, fostering soil resilience and contributing to broader ecosystem preservation efforts.
Responsible production and global partners
Equipped with advanced machinery and two operational processing plants, with a third in development, BSA processes up to 3,200 metric tons of Brazil nuts per harvest, equivalent to 200 containers. BSA oversees its entire production chain of Brazil nuts, working closely with smallholder farmers and indigenous communities to ensure efficient and sustainable operations.
Holding organic, Fairtrade, FSSC 22000 and SMETA certifications, BSA exports its products to numerous countries across the world, including strong partnerships with leading supermarket chains across the U.S. and Europe.3 These certifications reinforce BSA’s commitment to sustainable production and responsible practices, supporting both environmental preservation and global food supply chains.