RTRS at “Agro em Código 2024”: A key dialogue on traceability and sustainability
On November 27, Cid Sanches, external consultant for RTRS in Brazil, participated in Panel 1: Major Drivers of Traceability at the event “Agro em Código 2024: Traceability Summit in Agribusiness”, organized by Embrapa, GS1 Brazil, and Cubo Itaú in São Paulo, Brazil. The panel was moderated by Pedro Di Martino, Institutional Relations Manager at GS1 Brazil.
This event, held in a hybrid format at the Cubo Itaú headquarters in São Paulo, brought together key players in agribusiness to discuss the importance of traceability in the sector, its challenges, and the opportunities it represents for innovation and sustainability.
In his presentation, Cid provided a comprehensive overview of RTRS and its Standard for Responsible Soy Production, highlighting key data about the certification process and system operations. He then delved into the RTRS Chain of Custody Standard and the new module called “Optional Model IV: Requirements for Alignment with the EUDR”, designed to help companies meet the due diligence requirements established by the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is currently undergoing internal approval processes.
During his address, Sanches emphasized: “The soy supply chain is complex and scale-dependent, which makes traceability and its implementation challenging, given the number of actors involved. However, with RTRS certification, this path becomes more accessible by documentarily identifying the origin of certified soy and tracking it through facilities certified under the RTRS Chain of Custody.”
He added, “The development of Optional Model IV (offering two options: EUDR RTRS Segregation or EUDR RTRS Mix) is a solution created by RTRS to respond to the EUDR due diligence requirements, providing companies with tools to meet international market compliance demands while supporting sustainability by incorporating RTRS volumes.”
Cid also clarified that “meeting RTRS certification requirements does not guarantee compliance with the EUDR” and that “competent authorities will have the final say on conformity with EUDR requirements.”
Cid Sanches shared the panel with prominent sector specialists: Aecio Flores, Vice President of the Associação Brasileira das Empresas de Certificação por Auditoria e Rastreabilidade (ABCAR); Matheus Calheiros, Certification and Partnerships Manager at Rainforest Alliance; and Estêvão Carvalho, New Business Director at the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.
The panelists addressed various perspectives on traceability in agribusiness. Key topics discussed included Rainforest Alliance certifications (coffee, cocoa, and fruits) presented by Matheus Calheiros; the importance of traceability systems for livestock, highlighted by Aecio Flores; and the relevance of the Arab market, explained by Estêvão Carvalho, who spoke about Halal certification and Brazil’s position as the world’s largest exporter under this modality. All participants agreed on the need for Brazil’s agribusiness sector to implement traceability systems adapted to its specific characteristics, with government support, to address current challenges.
In the afternoon, the event showcased innovative tools, success stories from various production chains, and new technologies applied to agribusiness. Cid Sanches described the event as an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge, connect with key stakeholders, and explore sustainable solutions that continue to enhance transparency in the sector.
From RTRS, we extend our special thanks to Embrapa for the invitation and the opportunity to be part of this diverse and enriching event.
Access the recording of Panel 1:
