Since 1999, global soya production has increased by nearly 25 percent. This growth in demand is being met by a combination of increased productivity in existing planting areas, together with the expansion of the cultivation area. A logical development based on the expectation that the world population may rise to or even beyond 9 billion people.
This intensified cultivation and expansion of agricultural frontiers may cause social and ecological disturbances such as deforestation, water contamination, soil erosion, as well as, in some cases, social conflicts.
Therefore, it is paramount that soy production must be performed in a responsible manner. Stakeholders in and around the food chain are increasingly expecting credible evidence that materials are produced under sustainable conditions. However, it is important that actors in the supply chain agree on a clear framework of principles & criteria and communicate in a consistent language when it comes to methods, procedures and progress to ensure a common practice/view regarding sustainable soya.
Being an important supply chain manager in the soy supply chain Cefetra pro-actively took up its role as frontrunner to facilitate this process. Cefetra chose to work with partners in the supply chain, willing to accept responsibility for creating a healthy balance between people, planet and profit, thus guaranteeing sustainable raw material flows facilitated by a clear standard.