​RTRS Task Force debates responsible practices for soy production

The International Responsible Soy Association (RTRS) promoted the third meeting of the Brazil Task Force of the year, in São Paulo-SP. The group is made up of representatives from NGOs, industries and producers – among them, Basf, Bayer, Amaggi, Monsanto, Cargill, Dupont, Syngenta, Solidariedad, FAPCEN, Agroicone, TNC, IDH, Earth Innovation, INPEV and Cerquality, SLC and Nidera , GGF Group, Vanguarda Agro, Cofco Agro, CHS, Aliança da Terra, WWF and CAT Sorriso.

The objective of the meeting was to present the results of the project “Impacts of RTRS Certification in Brazil" carried out by Fundação Espaço ECO; to show updated data on the credit sales market, certified producers and farms in Brazil, new partnerships and projects of the Association; and publicize how certification helps the work of bodies such as Sindiveg, Aged, Inpev and Anvisa.

The RTRS Brazil Task Force is a work and collaboration space that brings together members of the association, encouraging the work of the global market and contributing to the construction of public policies, disseminating information to producers and consumers, thus strengthening the market for responsible soy. .

“Brazil is the largest responsible soy producer in the world, there are more than 170 certified farms, with emphasis on the North and Central-West regions. It is a number that is growing due to publicity among producers, who highlight the benefits of certification for neighboring farms", highlights RTRS External Consultant in Brazil, Cid Sanches.

TNC representative Rodrigo Scuri presented the “Collaboration for Forests and Agriculture” project, a multi-sectoral initiative to implement the production and origination of deforestation-free meat and soy at scale. “The project is based on the notion that Agricultural production without deforestation can be increased and accelerated worldwide through multinational companies that can enable standards and encourage the adoption of best practices by producers", he comments.

Gisela Introvini, from the FAPCEN Foundation, highlighted the work carried out for the sustainable development of the country's Northern Corridor. “RTRS certification has helped us raise awareness among producers to produce sustainably and work with the environmental, social and economic tripod through the RTRS Standard, applicable worldwide", she guarantees.

One of the goals for next year of the RTRS Brazil Task Force is to increase the engagement and participation of the Brazilian food industry and supermarkets. “Making awareness among Brazilian consumers about the best practices adopted on farms and, thus, increasing the demand for certified soy is also a commitment for 2017", concludes Cid Sanches.

It is part of RTRS's challenge to work to consolidate itself as a round table and be recognized as a dialogue forum that includes and integrates multiple actors, such as producers, industry, civil society, government and financial entities with the aim of exchanging experiences, identifying needs and building jointly solutions and concrete actions.