RTRS highlights soy certification systems as a competitive advantage at Expoagro 2025
At the agro-industrial exhibition, RTRS demonstrated how certification schemes align with the sector’s strategic sustainability agendas, even providing direct incentives for producers. Additionally, the Association’s role in offering solutions to help companies adapt to new regulations or international directives, such as the EUDR, was highlighted.
The Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS) participated in Expoagro 2025 with a talk on RTRS certification, emphasizing its value not only as a sustainability seal but also as a strategic tool for adding value to the soy production chain.
Under the title “Certification as a Competitive Advantage in Agribusiness,” Laura Villegas, RTRS Global Market Development & Corporate Affairs Manager, stressed that sustainability is no longer just a commitment but an opportunity to align with the international agenda.
“RTRS certification is much more than a simple sustainability seal; it is a strategic tool that benefits the entire agribusiness value chain, helping companies meet sustainability goals and link to regional development, conservation, and social objectives, even in high-risk areas or specific corridors. Additionally, it can act as an incentive and direct recognition for soy producers, ensuring the continuity of responsible and sustainable practices,” Villegas stated.
Villegas highlighted that, as of March 2025, RTRS-certified soy production in Argentina grew by 95% compared to the previous year, reaching 767,132 tons and 61 certified producers. Globally, estimated RTRS-certified production for 2025 is 6.6 million tons, reflecting a worldwide commitment to more responsible and transparent sourcing practices. This growth includes six countries adopting the RTRS system and 54,466 producers certified under the RTRS Soy Production Standard.
In Argentina, 18 RTRS members, including key players such as AAPRESID, Molinos Agro S.A., and Fundación ProYungas, are committed to responsible production.
Regarding RTRS certification for corn, final records for 2024 are estimated to include 255 global soy producers who certified a total of 806,546 hectares and 4,368,739 tons.
As for RTRS Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification in 2024, 16 countries across the Americas, Europe, and Asia hold this certification, totaling 407 certified sites that receive, process, and trade RTRS-certified physical soy throughout the supply chain. This total includes 240 storage plants, 94 processing plants, 61 ports, 52 transshipment terminals, and 36 commercial offices. In Argentina, 40 certified sites are registered, distributed among 39 storage facilities, 18 processing plants, and 9 ports.
Market trends
Villegas noted that in 2024, the demand for RTRS-certified material reached 7,463,722 tons, marking a 13% increase compared to 2023. A total of 34 countries adopted RTRS-certified material, with the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Brazil leading the way. Among the top 20 organizations adopting RTRS-certified material in 2024, the top three positions were held by Amaggi Trading from Brazil (711,059 tons), DLG a.m.b.a. from Denmark (655,365 tons), and De Heus Voeders B.V. from the Netherlands (500,096 tons).
The aquaculture sector also stood out, adopting over 1.5 million tons of certified material between 2018 and 2023, mainly in Ecuador, Chile, and Peru. The three companies that adopted the most RTRS-certified material in aquaculture between 2020 and 2024 were Gisis S.A. (638,537 tons), Ewos Chile Alimentos Limitada (222,345 tons), and Vitapro S.A. from Honduras (144,462 tons).
RTRS Solution for EUDR
Additionally, RTRS continues to adapt to new global regulations, such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Villegas explained that RTRS’s Optional Model IV of the Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard has been developed to align as closely as possible with EUDR requirements, assisting companies in implementing and complying with the regulation’s due diligence requirements. This model introduces audit mechanisms that verify that soy under this model (both RTRS-certified and non-certified) is deforestation-free (among other legal compliance requirements).
“With the module we developed to facilitate EUDR compliance, we promote sustainable volumes in the market and ensure that producers receive direct incentives. Additionally, we implement rigorous audits,” Villegas added.
RTRS in numbers
- 216 RTRS members worldwide, 18 of them in Argentina.
- 767,132 tons of RTRS-certified soy in Argentina in 2024, a 95% increase compared to 2023.
- 54,466 producers certified under the RTRS Soy Production Standard worldwide.
- 407 RTRS Chain of Custody certified sites in 16 countries, including storage plants, processing facilities, and ports.
- Over 6.6 million tons of RTRS-certified soy production.
- More than 7.4 million tons of RTRS-certified material adoption in 2024, a 13% increase compared to 2023.
- 34 countries adopted RTRS-certified material in 2024, led by the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.
- More than 1.5 million tons of certified material adopted by the aquaculture sector between 2018 and 2023.
About ExpoAgro
Expoagro is the largest open-air agro-industrial exhibition in the region, organized by Exponenciar S.A. (Clarín and La Nación). It is held annually for four days, at the close of the grain harvest season.
Since 2017, it has had a permanent venue in San Nicolás (km 225, route 9), in the heart of the Pampas. There, the latest innovations in machinery, inputs, livestock, and services are showcased, along with business rounds and field exhibitions. Due to its impact, it is known as the National Capital of Agribusiness
