Creating positive impact for people, planet and progress
Together with our partners, we’re working to develop sustainable business models, create positive on-the-ground impact and improve sector governance in key soy-producing countries.
Making responsible soy production mainstream
From livestock feed to fillers in cakes and cosmetics, our collective soy consumption is enormous. Soy consumed by European markets alone is grown on more than 19 million football fields – and is associated with deforestation and other serious social and environmental issues.
Our Soy program aims to reduce deforestation by making responsible soy production mainstream. We increase both the demand for and supply of responsible soy by linking market players to producers.
Taking a stepwise approach, IDH focuses on three main targets: to raise the bar of sourcing guidelines to incorporate zero-net-deforestation; to have 50% of European soy import responsible by 2020 (100% by the CGF companies); to develop a direct sourcing connection between the end buyer and producing region.
“Working with sustainability and focus on environmental, social, and economic aspects is one of Bayer’s premises. We must directly support farmers in the search for that balance; farmers must also be willing to be certified by the International Round Table on Responsible Soy Association.”
Environment and Agriculture Director in Latin America, Bayer
News & Resources
The latest updates from our work in the soy sector
European Soy Monitor 2021
Turning Europe’s good intentions into effective action to stop deforestation
