First ABR certified group of producers achieves RTRS certification for soy
The importance of sustainability and the idea that certification is a market differentiator are becoming increasingly clear. The latest advancement in this regard was the first group of producers who already held the Brazilian Responsible Cotton (ABR) certification and have now obtained the RTRS certification for soy production.
The producers participated in an initiative led by the Soybean Producers Association of Mato Grosso do Sul (Aprosoja/MS), in collaboration with the Mato Grosso do Sul Cotton Producers Association (Ampasul) and the Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS), following the identification of similar requirements between the two certifications, which could facilitate alignment with both ABR/BCI and RTRS standards.
In 2023, at the request of the Brazilian Cotton Producers Association (Abrapa), RTRS carried out a comparative benchmarking between the two certification standards (ABR and RTRS), aiming to facilitate joint auditing of these two certifications. The study found that 72.2% of the RTRS Standard indicators are already covered by the ABR standard, enabling the process to be streamlined so that producers already certified under ABR could obtain the RTRS seal.
This comparative analysis between both certification standards fits perfectly within the context of the recent joint certification obtained by producers who already held the ABR seal, thanks to the collective effort of RTRS, Abrapa, Aprosoja/MS, and Ampasul. It thus reflects the success of integrating these standards and the commitment to sustainability.
This is a significant step towards large-scale certification, which can be expanded to other soy producers in Brazil. Of the 108 indicators set by the RTRS Standard for Responsible Soy Production, 78 (72.2%) are already included in the ABR cotton standard, and 10 (9.3%) are partially met. This means that by completing the remaining indicators (30), an ABR-certified producer will also obtain RTRS certification for soy.
In this context, Luiza Bruscato, Global Executive Director of RTRS, highlights: “The joint effort between RTRS, Abrapa, Aprosoja/MS, and Ampasul proves that it is possible to integrate standards, optimise processes, and generate significant impacts in the agricultural sector. This collaborative work not only strengthens the relationship between institutions and producers but also adds value to the sustainable practices already adopted, enabling the expansion and maximisation of the supply of sustainable products.”
Jorge Michelc, president of Aprosoja/MS, states that the association wants to ensure that more and more producers have access to new markets and adopt more sustainable models on their farms. For this reason, he encourages Aprosoja members to become familiar with the RTRS certification process and apply good practices in their daily operations on the farm, not only to add value to their products but also to produce more sustainably.
“In 2024, producers were already certified through this collaboration between Aprosoja and Ampasul. We have more producers to certify and are promoting the benefits of the certification process among our members,” he adds.
Looking to the future, this project has two main objectives: to consolidate and formalise the collaboration, thereby strengthening the synergy between ABR and RTRS. This will result in the expansion of RTRS certification to more sustainable cotton producers who also grow soy. With this approach, the goal is to consolidate sustainability as a key competitive differentiator, better positioning and creating opportunities for local producers in international markets with requirements in this regard.
ABR-RTRS certified producers
The pilot project in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul started in 2024, certifying 6 RTRS establishments from 3 producers in its first year. The certified producers are: Grupo Schlatter, Darci Agostinho Boff, and José Izidoro Corso. In total, they produced 78,137 tonnes of RTRS certified soy and 90,630 tonnes of RTRS certified maize.
“We already have part of our cotton certified by ABR and BCI (Better Cotton Initiative), which today allows us to access markets we would not be able to reach without certification. We believe the RTRS certification for soy could bring us a price increase or make it easier to sell to companies in the future,” says Boff, president of Ampasul and a farmer.
He states that he obtained certification for two farms where he grows soy, one in the city of Chapadão do Sul (Mato Grosso do Sul – MS) and another in Paraíso das Águas (MS).
Debido a las prácticas de sostenibilidad ya adoptadas en las propiedades, Boff cuenta que no fueron necesarias grandes adecuaciones para conseguir el nuevo sello, lo que indica que otros productores de algodón sostenible que también cultivan soja pueden contar con la misma oportunidad.
Tras la experiencia positiva con las dos primeras propiedades, Boff ya trabaja para conseguir el sello RTRS en una tercera. “Tenemos otro establecimiento en la que estamos intentando adecuarnos, donde cultivo soja con integración junto a la ganadería. Está en Paraíso das Águas (MS) también, y produce de 1,7 mil a 2 mil hectáreas”, agrega.
After the positive experience with the first two properties, Boff is already working on obtaining the RTRS seal for a third farm.
“We have another farm where we are trying to comply, where I grow soy alongside cattle ranching. It is also in Paraíso das Águas (MS), producing 1,700 to 2,000 hectares,” he adds.
Walter Schlatter, vice president of Ampasul, is also part of the group of new RTRS certified producers. He mentions that the certification process for soy was smooth, precisely because he already had the cotton certification, which led to several of the items being already met.
“Although the chain of custody process requires a high level of controls and reports, I see it as an opportunity to strengthen transparency and ensure the integrity of certified products throughout the supply chain,” he commented. For Schlatter, being certified is synonymous with quality in processes, commitment to people, and excellence in sustainability, aligning with the responsibility principles promoted by RTRS.
All cotton producers in Brazil grow soy, whether in the same area, in crop rotation, or in other areas within the same property. However, not all soy producers grow cotton. In Brazil, there are 2 million hectares of cotton and more than 40 million hectares of soy cultivated.
This means there is great potential for cotton producers who are already certified to also obtain RTRS certification for soy.
Kriss Corso, director of Grupo JCN (which José Izidoro Corso owns), also found the certification process smooth, as the group already adopts good management practices in the business.
“RTRS certification reaffirmed Grupo JCN’s commitment to growing agricultural products responsibly and sustainably, using the best technologies, respecting the environment, generating jobs with safe and socially adequate working conditions, always in compliance with current legislation,” he emphasises.
Corso believes the certification contributes to opening new trade frontiers for the company and reinforces to business partners the commitment to acting responsibly and sustainably. For him, this differentiation helps consumers make purchasing decisions, which could motivate new certifications on other properties in the group.
“The possibility of certifying other units, besides those in Mato Grosso do Sul, is large. The matter will be addressed in the next agricultural planning,” he comments.
This initiative represents a significant advance in the context of a Brazil that produces sustainably. The joint certification obtained thanks to the collective effort of RTRS, Abrapa, Aprosoja/MS, and Ampasul demonstrates not only that it is possible to integrate standards and optimise processes but also that collaboration between institutions and producers generates a relevant impact, benefiting and strengthening the agricultural sector.
