RTRS announces new members and expects increased demand for responsible soy

The International Responsible Soy Association (RTRS) informs the sector of the accession of five new organizations to promote the production, processing and marketing of responsible soy.

The new members represent the Industry, Commerce and Finance constituency. Among them is Metro AG, a multinational retail chain based in Düsseldorf, Germany; Exportadora Los Fiordos Ltda., a salmon producer in Chile; and Quorn Foods, a producer of vegetarian foods in the United Kingdom.

The SOYTOUCH Association, from France, and Fundación Proyungas, from Argentina, also joined the entity and represent the Producers and Civil Society groups, respectively.

According to the Executive Director of RTRS, Marcelo Visconti, it is very positive that the dialogue on soy is advancing, as the new members promote an increase in demand for responsible soy in Brazil and around the world.

“This is an excellent indicator to encourage producers to continue working and multiplying the environmental, social and economic benefits of sustainable production and the certification process”, he notes.

Last year, 80% of companies or organizations that joined RTRS came from the Industry, Commerce and Finance sectors - 14 of the 17 new members. Certified soy production has grown 30% annually since 2016, awaiting signs of compromised demand.

Given these data, governments and the private sector must develop incentives and economic instruments to reward farmers' efforts to conserve areas of native vegetation, even in places where vegetation clearing is permitted.