RTRS member of the European Commission’s new Platform
RTRS member of the European Commission’s new Platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on deforestation and forest degradation
We are pleased to communicate that, in recognition of the Association`s role in the soy value chain as a multi-stakeholder platform, RTRS has officially become a member of the European Commission’s new Platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on deforestation, forest degradation and on sustainably increasing world’s forest cover (the Platform).
The Platform was set up by the European Commission to provide a forum where stakeholders can exchange information and experiences, build alliances, push for and share commitments to significantly reduce deforestation. The main goal of the Platform is to provide advice to the Commission in the preparation of legislative proposals and policy initiatives to protect and restore the world’s forests.
RTRS believes that an open and honest multi-stakeholder dialogue is crucial to achieve responsible soy production globally, while guaranteeing zero deforestation and zero conversion of natural land. As a successful multi-stakeholder platform itself, representing the main players in the soy value chain, RTRS is in a very good position to share its experience and help minimize the risk of deforestation associated with agricultural products placed on the European Union market, in cooperation with other stakeholders and representatives from the European institutions.
The Platform`s first meeting is tentatively scheduled for October 2, 2020 in Brussels, Belgium.
These are the organizations participating in the Platform.
We would also like to share with you some of our activities:
- In February 2019, RTRS participated in the Public Consultation on the Communication on Stepping up EU Action to Protect and Restore the World’s Forests.
- In December 2019, RTRS was invited to attend and participate as a speaker in the fifth edition of the European Union Agricultural Outlook conference, Sustainability from Farm to Fork, organized by the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development in Brussels, Belgium
- In March 2020, RTRS participated in the Public Consultation Inception Impact Assessment on the initiative Deforestation and forest degradation – reducing the impact of products placed on the EU market.
- On January 31, 2020, RTRS received a formal invitation from the European Commission to become a member of the Multi-stakeholder Platform on Protecting and Restoring the World’s Forests.