KDV supports African soy farmers

The Sustainable Pork Chain (KDV) is committed to sustainable soy cultivation in Mozambique. Together with aid organization Solidaridad, KDV has been investing in soy cultivation in the African country since 2015. In return, they receive certificates that are necessary for the sale of pork.

Jaap de Wit (chief purchaser Westfort) says on behalf of KDV that butchers and supermarkets expect meat suppliers to contribute to responsible soy cultivation. By supporting soy producers in Mozambique, KDV takes its responsibility for sustainable animal feed, according to de Wit.

Indirect support
It is not the case that KDV imports the soy directly from Mozambique. According to de Wit, that would be far too expensive. The soy is sold in Mozambique itself, where there is a growing demand for animal feed. Pig farmers within KDV continue to feed conventional soy; this is mainly soy from Latin America (Argentina, Brazil).

The support goes through the so-called RTRS certificates. At the beginning of this year, approximately 2.000 soy producers in Mozambique were officially recognized through this certification. By purchasing these certificates, soy producers in Mozambique are financially supported.

Certificate trading
The trade in RTRS-certified soy is, just like with green electricity, according to the book&claim system. This prevents the creation of two separate markets with all the additional logistical and environmental costs. According to Gert van der Bijl, Solidaridad's soy program manager, RTRS certification alone is not enough for sustainable animal feed. These certificates can also be purchased from major producers in South America, as other meat suppliers do.

With the investments in Mozambique, KDV is taking an extra step, says Van der Bijl. In recent years, the chain has invested around €120.000. In return, they now receive RTRS certificates for a volume of approximately 2.000 tons of soy. This volume can be scaled up in the coming years.

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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