7 September 2009  

Deforestation in South America is a very topical theme, and quite rightly so. It is often the cause of pessimism; it is said that we look on resignedly whilst trees are felled and South American farmers continue to cultivate their land in an unsustainable manner. However, things are different when it comes to the cultivation of soy, as recently an important step has been taken in the right direction.

Inspired by our Dutch ‘polder model,’ a group of more than 100 people involved in the soy chain have agreed to embark on an exceptional form of international collaboration. The Round Table for Responsible Soy (RTRS) has established pioneering criteria for South American soy cultivation and, in view of the complexity of the problem, this is a fantastic achievement.

For example, it has been agreed that no more primaeval forest may be felled for the cultivation of soy. Other valuable natural areas must be preserved, land ownership rights respected and the use of pesticides reduced. With this, the first real step has been taken in reducing the negative effects of the increasing soy cultivation on mankind and nature.

However, this is no reason to sit back and relax, as there is still much work to be done. For example, it would be helpful if the Dutch government were to make a case for research that would accurately chart the areas of natural beauty and diversity in South America. The Dutch government could also give active consideration to finding means of providing farmers in Latin America with financial compensation when they demonstrate their preparedness to protect valuable areas of nature.

Societal organizations such as Greenpeace, Stichting Natuur en Milieu [The Netherlands Society for Nature and Environment] and Milieudefensie [Friends of the Earth Netherlands] should also do more. They are currently looking on critically from the sideline, but it would be useful if they were to use their international contacts in order to increase consciousness in the rest of the world about responsible soy production. In addition, we should like to issue a very warm welcome to them to participate in the Round Table for Responsible Soy, as the World Wide Fund for Nature and Solidaridad already do. The time for demonstrations is over; it is now time to take action. All the parties involved must join forces in order to achieve a more sustainable form of soy cultivation on a world scale.

Frans Claassen
Chairman Taskforce for Sustainable Soy,
Participant in the international Round Table for Responsible Soy (RTRS)

NB: This is an abbreviated version of this article. Complete article