Embrapa inherited part of the tradition on essential oil (EO) research that was built decades earlier at the Institute of Agricultural Chemistry in Rio de Janeiro, initially focused on the establishment of production systems for both native and exotic aromatic plants. Improving yield and distilling oils which fulfil the necessary quality parameters were the topics of major concern. Prospection on Brazil’s rich biodiversity was also an important research front then, and still is now. Exploring this potential, in a sustainable way and generating income for local communities, is the best way towards preservation. Brazil’s mega biodiversity is spread over six different biomes. What is the scale of undertaking research on aromatic plants in such a huge area with so many species? Well, imagine putting your hand (but not your nose!) in a jar with 50,000 different flavoured candies and trying to find your favourites. It is a little more tricky, as seasonal metabolism changes the profile of plant volatiles during the year, but that paints a picture. The Amazonian tropical rainforest is the most known biome outside Brazil, and the most diverse one. Industry has long exploited the oil from Brazilian rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke), which is now an endangered species. With sustainability as a guide, new products have been prospected (and some already commercialised) on such basis, with economic returns to local communities. Embrapa units in the Amazon are developing applications for essential oils from local species to face agricultural and livestock challenges. To pick a few examples, an insecticide was formulated with the oil of a native Piper species. It is a renewable and biodegradable product, intended not only to replace, but also as an alternative in resistance to commercial products. The technology is being transferred to a company for production and commercialisation. Another Amazonian essential oil under the spotlight is the one from Croton cajucara, a plant long used in folk medicine. Besides having a nice odour, its activity to control leishmaniosis, and endemic problems, the antimicrobial activity of the oil was effective in controlling bacteria in fish farms, replacing regular veterinary antibiotics. For these plants, all of the agronomic production systems have been developed so that sustainable cultivation can be established as a source of raw materials. Another large, rich and threatened biome is the Cerrado, a savannahlike area in Central Brazil, with more than 12,000 documented plant species. Recently, in an Embrapa project on aromatic plants focused on fragrance applications, 340 essential oil samples from more than 120 species were collected. The samples were evaluated by a senior perfumer from a major F&F company, a partner in the project. At least five species were considered interesting, from a sensory point of view, to be added to the perfumer’s palette. Part of the work can be found here: https://www.embrapa.br/ en/busca-de-publicacoes/-/ publicacao/1073295/ especies-nativas-da-florabrasileira-de-valor-economicoatual-ou-potencial-plantas-parao-futuro-regiao-centro-oeste The work is, of course, not finished. The challenge now is to assure oil safety, comply with regulatory issues, select the best genetic materials and develop sustainable production systems, respecting local biome and population characteristics, so that raw material, in proper quality and quantity, can be available for supply. Easy to say, hard to get. Veterinary is a growing field of application. In this area, essential oils have been tested in the treatment of internal and external cattle parasitosis. Different EOs were successfully applied to treat nematodes in sheep, particularly in cases where resistance had been observed for prescription anthelmintics. Essential oils proved to be efficient in dealing with ticks by inhibiting egg hatching. Other ongoing studies include micro and nanoencapsulation of essential oils for different applications such as active films and packing materials. Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of essential oils can be explored to extend the shelf life of food products, an important issue in tropical countries where high temperatures and limited access to refrigeration accelerate degradation. There is plenty of room for many more studies and improvements. Either by its own strategic decision or responding to demands from international companies, many achievements in the essential oil field are expected to come. So, why don’t you join us? Embrapa The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) was founded in 1973, and is under the aegis of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply. Embrapa is a technological innovation enterprise focused on generating knowledge and technology, making Brazilian agriculture one of the most efficient on the planet. That standard was achieved with the incorporation of wide formerly degraded lands into a region that accounts for nearly 50% of the grain production. Beef and pork supplies were quadrupled; for chicken, it increased 22-fold. With many other achievements, Brazil has turned from a basic food importer into one of the largest food producers and exporters in the world. Embrapa delivers solutions for large and small properties, having specific programmes for family agriculture. It is responsible for the collection and preservation of Brazilian genetic resources. All access to biodiversity is done under strict authorisation, in accordance with the terms of the Nagoya Protocol. Sustainable agriculture is an important topic at Embrapa, as the organisation complies with the principles of Bioeconomy: all Embrapa’s strategic objectives are linked to the Sustainable Development Goals, issued by the UN Research portfolios including climatic changes, pesticide reduction strategies (biological control, breeding resistant nonGMO cultivars, organic agriculture), reduction in water use (improving irrigation systems, breeding droughtresistant cultivars), low-carbon agriculture, biological nitrogen fixation, reduction in food waste, food loss and integrated crops-livestockforest systems, among others. To do the job, 8,000 collaborators (2,000 PhDs) in 42 branches, form the team at Embrapa. Partnership with universities, research institutions, public and private companies, both in Brazil and abroad, are also important for success in such an enterprise. To find out more about Embrapa, visit www.embrapa.br and browse through the links. ** Article originally published at IFEAT World Magazine, Dec 2020.