Visions for the future of responsible soy
RTRS International Conference 2024 | Session 6
The session focused on long-term visions for responsible soy, highlighting RTRS’s role in advancing sustainability. Panelists discussed key challenges such as reducing emissions, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring food security, while emphasizing RTRS’s leadership in certification and its role as a platform for multistakeholder dialogue to drive a sustainable future for soy.
Session 6 “Visions for the future”, explored long-term visions for responsible soy, focusing on the role of RTRS in advancing sustainability. Moderated by James Allen, the panel featured Taciano Custódio, Head of Sustainability for South America at Rabobank; Juliana de Lavor Lopes, ESG and Compliance Director at Amaggi; and Ariel Zorrilla, Director Brazil at Preferred by Nature.
A new era of sustainable financing
Taciano Custódio, Head of Sustainability South America at Rabobank, opened the session by addressing the major challenges facing agriculture: reducing emissions, reversing biodiversity loss, and feeding a growing global population. He shared recent studies emphasizing that agriculture accounts for 75% of food emissions but captures only 14% of its value, highlighting the need for greater investment in sustainable technology. “This area is still underfunded, and public-private partnerships are crucial to align global low-carbon policies,” he stated.
He also discussed the complexity of the current agricultural landscape, noting that while countries have set bolder climate targets, they face budgetary constraints and geopolitics volatility. Taciano pointed out that many producers are adopting sustainable practices like crop rotation, no-till farming, and precision agriculture, but digital technology adoption remains a challenge in some regions.
In his closing remarks, he stressed the importance of data, stating, “Data is the foundation for better communication and more transparent outcomes. It’s time to meet the ambitious targets we’ve set for ourselves.” He also noted that Regenerative Agriculture (RegenAg) is here to stay, driven by efficiency and yield, but warned that while sustainable practices help maintain market access, they may not guarantee a green premium due to the lack of large-scale demand.
Integrating conservation and production
Juliana de Lavor Lopes, ESG, Communication, and Compliance Director at Amaggi, brought a producer’s perspective to the conversation. “Change doesn’t happen by chance—it’s made through action,” she said, underscoring the importance of direct action in addressing environmental challenges.
Amaggi is committed to a deforestation-free and conversion-free (DCF) grain supply chain by 2025, covering all biomes and regions where it operates. They have maintained zero deforestation on their own farms since 2008, expanding only into already open areas.
Lopes shared how Amaggi monitors 22 million hectares daily and integrates soil health, biodiversity, and economic resilience into its operations. She emphasized, “Without economic resilience, sustainability efforts cannot succeed.”
Amaggi is also aiming for 100% traceability and monitoring of direct suppliers in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes by 2025, reinforcing their dedication to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
In discussing Amaggi’s innovative approaches, Lopes highlighted the company’s B100 biodiesel project, which powers all agricultural machinery and the truck fleet, achieving a 99% reduction in CO2 emissions. She also shared the company’s commitment to regenerative agriculture through their Amaggi Regenera program, focused on soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation. The program has restored 296 hectares through the Muvuca planting technique, with plans to expand by 165 hectares in 2024.
Regarding biodiversity, Lopes pointed out the impressive diversity at Amaggi’s Tanguro Farm, which is home to 60 mammal species, 254 bird species, and 180 bee species.
She concluded by reflecting on the challenges ahead: “I’m optimistic, but I’m also tired. Delivering change is hard, but it’s possible. We must view every challenge as an opportunity.”
Driving sustainability through market influence
Ariel Zorrilla, Director Brazil at Preferred by Nature, highlighted the power of markets to drive sustainability. “Our theory of change is rooted in market influence, from brands to farmers,” he explained, emphasizing the role of certification and sustainable practices in transforming supply chains.
Zorrilla shared the global reach of Preferred by Nature, which operates in over 100 countries, with more than 800,000 certified farmers and foresters and 33 million hectares of certified land. He underscored the importance of deforestation-free supply chains, especially in light of new regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation.
However, Zorrilla also warned of pressing global challenges. “Child labour remains a hidden crisis, with 200 million children still working globally. Certification can address some of these issues, but collaboration is key,” he stated, urging collective action to tackle systemic issues in agriculture and forestry.
Zorrilla encouraged RTRS to expand its influence and engagement across diverse geographies and sectors. “RTRS has an opportunity to engage actors from diverse geographies and sectors,” he said. “Maintaining its reputation as a certification leader is essential.”
He concluded by emphasizing the need for innovation and adaptability to address ongoing challenges like climate change, regulatory shifts, and climate-related disasters. “The future of sustainability depends on our ability to evolve and work together,” Zorrilla remarked.
RTRS’s evolving role
The day concluded with a discussion on RTRS’s future. Panelists agreed that RTRS must continue its dual role as a scheme owner and a platform for multi stakeholder dialogue.
Custódio: “RTRS should focus on valuing social attributes and advancing circular economy practices.”
Zorrilla: “RTRS’s reputation in the certification market is its strength. Expanding its reach globally will be critical.”
Lopes: “RTRS must remain a round table for dialogue. Certification will continue, but the value lies in bringing diverse stakeholders together.”
Lopes reflected on her own journey in sustainability: “When I started, I often disagreed with other stakeholders 100%. But engaging in dialogue gave me immense value. That’s what RTRS stands for.”
Puntos clave
A lo largo de una mañana de presentaciones y provocaciones, surgieron varios temas o mensajes claros de los panelistas y la audiencia.
- Más allá del cumplimiento: Los requisitos regulatorios como la EUDR ofrecen oportunidades para crear primas de mercado.
- Innovación como catalizador: La tecnología, desde la IA hasta las plataformas digitales, está impulsando la transición de la soja hacia la sostenibilidad.
- Nuevas fronteras de mercado: La aviación, los combustibles marinos y los productos químicos son mercados emergentes para la soja, listos para el compromiso de RTRS.
- La colaboración es innegociable: La acción colectiva en toda la cadena de valor es esencial para lograr un impacto duradero.
Y como propietaria del esquema y plataforma de diálogo, RTRS sigue siendo una piedra angular del movimiento de la soja responsable. La industria de la soja enfrenta desafíos complejos, pero las ideas e innovaciones compartidas en Gante destacan un camino a seguir. La soja responsable ya no es solo una aspiración, es un compromiso compartido con un futuro sostenible.
