Danish delegation visits Maranhão and highlights the role of RTRS for its commitment to sustainable soy
A Danish delegation, led by Ethical Trade Denmark’s European initiative Danish Soy Alliance for Responsible Soy (Danish Soy Alliance), including members of the Danish government, local NGOs and private companies, together with WWF Denmark and Brazil, visited Brasilia and São Luis, in Maranhão, among other Brazilian regions, in early November. The Danish Soy Alliance, that brings together various players in the Danish industry, aims at promoting responsible soy production. This initiative sets ambitious goals to address deforestation, biodiversity and social impacts associated with soy production, and RTRS is part of its roadmap.
Among other activities scheduled for this visit, the delegation toured the “Fazenda Nossa Senhora Aparecida”, located in Água Fria de Goiás, which in 2022 produced 15,509 tons of certified soybeans and 18,000 tons of RTRS certified corn. In addition, members of the Danish government recognized RTRS certified producers in the region for their commitment to sustainable soybean production.
The following day, the “Stakeholder Workshop on traceability, EUDR and future opportunities in the Brazilian soybean sector and the Itaqui Port Corridor” was held in São Luis, Maranhão state. During the workshop hosted by WWF and Ethical Trade Denmark, RTRS had the opportunity to give its point of view on the certification process and the progress made in the region, in addition to presenting the management results led by FAPCEN (Foundation to Support Research in the Northern Export Corridor). Also, together with Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura S.A. (CLI), RTRS made a presentation on future logistics opportunities for certified physical flows at the Port of Itaquí.
In the current context of the European Union’s EU Deforestation Free Regulation (EUDR), which establishes new requirements for commodities entering the European region and for their traceability, the Danish Soy Alliance explores how to advocate sustainable practices and meet the zero-deforestation requirement, emphasizing the need for global cooperation and commitment to promote a more sustainable transition of soy value chains.
The representative of the Danish government and advisor on sustainable value chains to the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Stefan Ilcus, expressed his interest in understanding sustainable soybean production and growing practices, citing Maranhão as one of the Brazilian states that most impressed them.
Indeed, working with RTRS is part of their strategy and is an example of the potential of global partnerships that bring together the soybean supply chain to achieve sustainable soybean chains.
The state of Maranhão is recognized for its sustainable practices
A highlight of the visit was the recognition made by the governor of the state of Maranhão, Mr. Carlos Brandão, who praised the state government’s efforts to monitor production activities, deforestation and export corridors. Within this framework, the governor especially highlighted RTRS certification efforts, backed in the state by FAPCEN, favoring the positive impact of responsible soybean production in the region.
During the visit, Gisela Introvini, Director at FAPCEN and RTRS Vice President, stated: “Governor Brandão praised the work we do in Maranhão, which enabled the partnership with Denmark. In this way, it is expected that RTRS certified soybeans as well as RTRS Credits Supporting Responsible Soy resulting from these certifications will be recognized as incentives to producers in order to further increase sustainable development in the region.”
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