RTRS participated in a discussion on the EU Deforestation Regulation at Amsterdam event
On June 3rd, the Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS) participated in a panel discussion at the “Veevoer zonder boskap” (“Animal feed without deforestation”) event organized by Pakhuis de Zwijger in collaboration with the Port of Amsterdam. The event focused on the upcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), set to take effect on December 30, 2024.
Evert Raymakers, RTRS Europe Outreach and Engagement Manager, shared Association’s perspective on the implications, challenges, and opportunities presented by the EUDR for responsible soy sourcing.
He joined a panel that provided a multifaceted perspective on deforestation and the efforts underway to promote sustainability across various industries, underscoring the importance of collective action.
Key themes that emerged during the discussion included:
Preparation for the new law: Importers and processors are actively preparing to comply with the stringent requirements of the EUDR, which presents challenges in adjusting their supply chains. Soy supply is stagnating and costs for segregation are feared to be high.
Soy supply chain adaptation: The soy industry is taking steps to align with the new legislation, focusing on traceability, certification, and sustainable sourcing practices.
Serious sanctions: Non-compliance with the EUDR will result in serious consequences, underscoring the importance for companies to prioritize responsible sourcing.
Collective efforts: Collaboration among stakeholders, including NGOs, businesses, and policymakers, is essential to effectively combat deforestation.
In his remarks, Evert Raymakers emphasized that RTRS remains committed to a broad sustainability agenda that goes “beyond EUDR.” While compliance with the new regulation is crucial, RTRS continues to promote its 108 sustainability criteria, including the core principle of “zero deforestation and zero conversion.”
Raymakers highlighted RTRS’s updated Chain of Custody supply chain model and, in particular, “its credit system as key tools for companies to continue their work towards comprehensive sustainability goals, particularly because these goals extend beyond the EUDR framework.” He invited all stakeholders to join RTRS in this effort and to remain committed to sustainable soy production and value chains, not just compliance.
The panel on deforestation-free supply chains featured a diverse group of experts. It was moderated by Servaz van Berkum and in addition to Evert, the panel included:
Dr. Olaf Brugman, from Rabobank, who provided insights into financial aspects related to deforestation-free supply chains.
Caroline Emmen, from Koninklijke Vereniging Het Comité van Graanhandelaren, who discussed grain trade considerations within the context of deforestation regulations.
Matz Beuchel, from Nederlandse Vereniging Diervoederindustrie – Nevedi, who highlighted the challenges and opportunities for the animal feed industry.
Mark Hoolwerf, from Port of Amsterdam, who addressed the role of ports in ensuring sustainable supply chains.
Seline Meijer, from World Wildlife Fund (WWF), who emphasized the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to combat deforestation.
Access the recording of the event, available only in Dutch, here
