The aim of this work was to carry out a socio-economic analysis for the implementation of a biodiesel plant in the state of Maranhão, taking into account technical, economic and socio-environmental concepts. In order to set up the biodiesel plant in Maranhão, a survey was carried out of the main raw materials available, with a view to selecting the most promising raw material, as well as favorable regions for biodiesel production. Afterwards, the available workforce and the existence of cooperatives in the potential biodiesel plant installation region were analyzed. Next, an economic analysis of biodiesel production was carried out and, at the end, the socio-economic impact on the cooperative members of setting up a biodiesel plant in the region was estimated. Also, based on fixed and variable costs, financial income and payback, within the forecast of sales of biodiesel and its by-products, the project was analyzed and simulated to fit into the PRONAF credit line.