The future of sustainable soy: our vision
RTRS International Conference 2024 | Closing remarks
The Global Executive Director of RTRS, shares her vision for the future of sustainable soy, reflecting on challenges, achievements, and opportunities: “RTRS will transcend certification, becoming a comprehensive solutions provider that empowers stakeholders with tools, data, and partnerships to achieve their sustainability goals.
Luiza Bruscato
Global Executive Director, Round Table on Responsible Soy
As we start the next chapter for sustainable soy, the Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS) stands at a pivotal juncture. With nearly two decades of tireless effort, RTRS has transformed itself from a vision into a global movement. But as we celebrate past achievements, we recognise that the future demands of us even greater ambition, collaboration, and innovation. Our mission to achieve scalability has never been more urgent, and the journey ahead promises to be as challenging as it is rewarding.
Since its inception, RTRS has grown into a thriving global community with 216 members spanning 32 countries. This expansion is more than just a number; it signifies a shared commitment to sustainability across diverse sectors and geographies. In 2023 alone, RTRS certified nearly 7.5 million tonnes of responsible soy, impacting over 2.2 million hectares of productive land and benefiting 77,000 certified producers.
Our footprint extends far beyond soy. For instance, this year, over 4.7 million tonnes of corn were certified under RTRS standard, reflecting the significant progress made since the production standard for this crop was implemented in 2022. With 402 certified sites across 16 countries and over 6.5 million tonnes of certified materials traded globally, RTRS has proven that responsible production is not just a goal but a global reality.
Responding to a changing world
This year is on track to be the hottest in recorded history, with global temperatures now surpassing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels—a critical point for the planet.
At COP29 in Baku, where countries gathered, the clear message was that urgent agreements and financing are needed to support the global transition to a safer climate future. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, stressed the importance of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C to avoid catastrophic impacts.
When Guterres presented “The Climate Promise 2025”, an initiative of the UN system aimed at supporting countries in developing national climate plans aligned with the 1.5°C limit, he also emphasised that countries must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030 compared to 2019, focusing on the reduction of fossil fuels and deforestation.
For governments and stakeholders, the time to act decisively is now. More than ever we need partnerships and action to address our world’s challenges and this is where RTRS has solutions, and a vital role to play.
RTRS is not only keeping pace but staying ahead of these shifts. For example, this year we revised our RTRS Chain of Custody Standard. This update introduces the new Optional Model IV – Requirements for Alignment with EUDR Chain of Custody, designed specifically to help companies in meeting EUDR due diligence requirements.
Collaboration remains central to our strategy. In 2023, we facilitated over a dozen meetings across the globe, including Board sessions and Task Force meetings in Uruguay (where we held our first one), Argentina, and Brazil. These Task Forces are designed to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and collective action within the sector. Additionally, we formed key partnerships with organizations such as GIZ, GMP+ International, Abiove, and Aapresid, reinforcing RTRS’s commitment to driving sustainable practices in the soy industry.
My commitment to the future
As the new Global Executive Director of RTRS, I bring a decade and a half of experience in sustainable agriculture. My journey has taken me from leading initiatives at BASF to driving sustainable livestock programs across Brazil. Each step has deepened my understanding of what it takes to transform industries while remaining grounded in the realities of farmers, cooperatives, and corporations.
Since January, I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in the soy sector. While the learning curve has been steep, the resilience and passion of the RTRS community inspire me daily. My vision for RTRS’s future is informed by my experiences and a conviction that we are on the cusp of something extraordinary.
A fresh vision for RTRS
The path ahead requires courage, creativity, and connection. RTRS is set to transform into a dynamic, global network uniting farmers, governments, private sector players, civil society, and multistakeholder platforms. This bold vision, co-created with over 30 members during a strategic planning session held last June in Lucerne, Switzerland, will shape the Association’s next chapter.
How we’ll achieve this vision:
- Building a strong sustainability narrative
RTRS will position itself as a leader in responsible soy by crafting a compelling narrative that highlights its critical role in addressing climate change, deforestation, and social equity. - Accelerating transformation through collaboration
By fostering partnerships and connecting ideas, RTRS aims to break down silos and accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices. This includes prioritizing science-driven decision-making to shape initiatives and policies. - Expanding engagement across all sectors
With its reach spanning the vast soy industry, RTRS is committed to making its impact equally comprehensive. The new 2027 Strategic Plan prioritizes deeper engagement with stakeholders across the value chain, from producers to consumers. - Becoming data-driven and agile
In the era of digital transformation, RTRS will harness the power of data to offer actionable insights, measure its impact, and drive continuous improvement. Our solutions will not only address certification but also offer tools, knowledge, and partnerships that enhance sustainability efforts. - Scaling up with purpose
Through decisive and innovative action, RTRS will drive industry-wide change. From expanding certification to fostering knowledge-sharing platforms, the Association is committed to acting with urgency and purpose.
Looking ahead
By 2027, RTRS will solidify its position as the preeminent voice for sustainable soy. Our growth will be measured not just in tonnes certified but in the tangible changes we bring to ecosystems, communities, and economies. RTRS will transcend certification, becoming a comprehensive solutions provider that empowers stakeholders with tools, data, and partnerships to achieve their sustainability goals.
This is not just a vision; it is a call to action. The challenges we face—climate change, deforestation, food security—are monumental. But together, we have the power to create a world where responsible soy is the norm, not the exception.
The story of RTRS is one of resilience, innovation, and hope. As we embark on this next chapter, I invite all of you—members, partners, and allies—to join us in building a future that is both sustainable and inclusive. Let us transform bold ideas into concrete actions, drive systemic change, and lead the way for the soy industry and beyond.
The future of RTRS is not just in our hands; it is in your hands. Together, we can turn ambition into impact and make responsible soy a cornerstone of global sustainability.
Relive the closing remarks of Luiza Bruscato, RTRS Executive Director, at the RTRS International Conference:
