Thirty-two percent of soya imported into the UK in 2019 was covered by a deforestation-and-conversion-free certified soya standard according to a latest report for the UK Roundtable on Sourcing Sustainable Soya.
The figure is an increase from 27% in 2018 and comes at a time when the UK prepares to host the COP26 later this year.
If soya sourced from territories considered at low risk of deforestation, such as North America and Canada, and soya covered by an Amazon Soy Moratorium contract are added to this figure, the total proportion considered to be from these sources or covered by a deforestation-and-conversion free certified soya standard rises to 62%.
Soya is seen as a driver for deforestation of the Amazon and retailers and food companies are becoming increasingly aware of its harmful environmental impacts from its use within their supply chains.
Map of Ag is engaged in two studies with food companies in the dairy sector examining the use of soya and ways to improve overall protein efficiency on farm.
According to James Husband, Head of Livestock at Map of Ag, the sustainable sourcing credentials of agriculture and the feed companies that supply it are being increasingly scrutinised.
“Approximately 75% of the 4.2 million tonnes of soybean equivalent imported into the UK is used within animal feed, meat, dairy and eggs.”
The industry-led UK Roundtable on Sustainable Soya aims to implement a framework to set no-deforestation and no-conversion goals for the entire soy supply chain and promote collaboration with the soy sector across Europe. It was set up in 2018 following the success of the UK Roundtable on Sourcing Sustainable Palm Oil, created in 2012.
