European feed industry intensifies its commitment to sustainable soy, with 40% now aligned with FEFAC's responsible sourcing guidelines, as revealed by the 2021 European Soy Monitor report.
The recent unveiling of the European Soy Monitor 2021 offers insights into the sustainability endeavors of European animal feed producers last year. The report showcases that 40% of the soybean meal equivalent consumed in Europe adhered to FEFAC's Soy Sourcing Guidelines, with 24% having a certified deforestation-free status. The document further underscores that a significant 93.9% of the EU's soy imports originated from regions with low deforestation, a figure derived from EU trade statistics and expert analyses from the industry.
There's been a significant shift towards sustainable soy sourcing since the debut of the European Soy Monitor in 2018. Preliminary data for 2021 reveals a 21% surge in responsible soy usage by FEFAC members compared to 2018 figures.
FEFAC's definition of responsible soy is one that's sourced through approved supplier schemes and initiatives aligned with the FEFAC Soy Sourcing Guidelines. This framework encompasses optimal agricultural methods, environmental mindfulness, and societal commitment.
FEFAC's leader, Pedro Cordero, conveyed his contentment with the ongoing advancements, stating, “I am pleased with the continued positive trend that the European feed sector and its supply chain partners have been able to display as regards the industry’s use of responsible soy. I am confident that we will make further progress on the mainstream market transition of responsible soy use from both imported and home-grown sources.”
The European Soy Monitor Report is pivotal in shaping the EU's discourse on global forest preservation, resonating with the European Commission's Green Deal initiative. FEFAC, in line with these pursuits, has updated its Soy Sourcing Guidelines to incorporate 'conversion-free' soy as a vital parameter for sustainable soy practices.
Europe's feed sector remains unwavering in its pledge to sustainable soy sourcing. FEFAC applauds the IDH Soy Monitor's recognition of the importance of evaluating deforestation threats linked to all soy consumed in Europe. FEFAC's internal data suggests that a notable chunk of the 2021 soy consumed within the EU was sourced from regions deemed to have a low risk of deforestation, such as the EU itself, the USA, Canada, and Ukraine. Even though not officially labeled, these sources are perceived as “deforestation-free”. Moreover, FEFAC's data indicates that both responsible and deforestation-free soy witnessed increasing popularity, with the total industrial consumption exceeding 14 million tons in 2021.