Cargill boosts soy, forest sustainability and human rights policy in South America

USA – Cargill has advanced its commitment to a sustainable supply chain with the launch of sustainable soy and forest policies with a renewed dedication to human rights in South America.

The South America Sustainable Soy Policy, a Human Rights Commitment and an updated Forest Policy looks to promote rural agricultural development as well as protect people and the planet.

The three policies outline Cargill’s approach to sustainable soy, cocoa and palm while protecting the forests which have been cleared for agricultural expansion.

The company said it has so far trained 250,000 farmers in good agricultural practices, including training conducted in partnership with The Nature Conservancy across the soy supply chain.

The policies are also designed to uphold respect and rights for workers, indigenous peoples and communities in addition to promoting transparency standards through reporting of key metrics and progress.

Also, they look to address external stakeholder grievances, and bring an outside perspective to the company’s sustainability efforts through an External Advisory Board.

Cargill targets to achieve zero deforestation by partnering industry partners, direct and indirect suppliers, customers, governments and farmer groups.

“Farming and forests can and must co-exist,” said Dave MacLennan, Cargill chairman and CEO.

“The world depends on agriculture to feed a growing population but also depends on the long-term viability of our natural resources.

Leading sector-wide transformation means we can innovate, challenge what is possible and ensure that people and the planet have what they need for generations to come.”

Ruth Kimmelshue, senior vice president of Cargill Business Operations and Supply Chain said: “Ending deforestation requires a balance of competing environmental, economic and social priorities.

“We are committed to convening the critical stakeholders necessary to achieve our shared goal: deforestation-free supply chains across the globe.”

The sustainability initiatives are in line with its purpose: to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.

Cargill has established a corporate Sustainability Hub, which shares learnings and best practices across the company’s supply chains and with the broader industry to drive sector-wide transformation.

The company recently launched Red Seaweed Promise, a program designed to establish sustainability standards for sourcing red seaweed.