New guidance on embedded soy, and highlights from RTRS 2024

Addressing environmental and human rights risks in soy production is crucial, especially in priority regions. Analysing the soy supply chain and direct purchases is important, but identifying where soy is embedded in various products and how it transitions from a high-profile commodity to a hidden ingredient in animal protein products (poultry, pork, beef, fish, and seafood) is even more critical. This guidance supports downstream companies sourcing products with embedded soy by following a step-wise approach to transition from unawareness to informed actions. It aims to link responsible production and sourcing by working downstream from the origin and upstream from the destination markets, ultimately converging in the middle.

In line with this ‘convergence in the middle,’ Proforest had the pleasure of attending the RTRS International Conference 2024, titled “Towards a Regenerative Transition,” held in Ghent, Belgium, from November 19-20. This two-day gathering convened key value chain actors and served as a bridge between soy producers, feed manufacturers, downstream companies, civil society, and research institutes. It sparked innovative discussions and exchanges of ideas, from pivotal emerging regulations to regenerative agriculture views from the field. Key takeaways included:

1. Promoting collaboration at every stage of the value chain, both horizontally and vertically.
2. Recognising that there is no trade-off between regulation and voluntary sustainability standards, but that both need to co-exist to ensure continuous improvements.
3. Ensuring farmers/producers have a seat at the table and discussing the different drivers and incentives to promote regenerative practices at the production level.
4. Highlighting the essential role of the feed sector in sectorial transformation.

We are excited to share this guidance, which touches upon some of these key takeaways and conversations from the RTRS Conference. We congratulate the RTRS Secretariat for convening this productive meeting, and we look forward to continuing to participate in and foster collaborations in these key spaces.

Read the guidance here.