Why are European retailers concerned about the Amazon soy moratorium's collapse?

European retailers are concerned because the collapse of the 20-year-old soy moratorium risks damaging consumer confidence and could lead to increased deforestation in the Amazon biome.

What is the Amazon soy moratorium and why is it important?

The Amazon soy moratorium was a voluntary agreement established in 2006 to prevent soy sourcing from Amazon land cleared after 2008, successfully preventing an estimated 17,000 sq km of deforestation.

What actions are retailers taking after the soy moratorium breakdown?

Retailers are urging major soy traders and producers to clarify their continued adherence to climate and environmental commitments and to ensure credible monitoring and verification of their supply chains.

Home / Environment / Retailers Fight to Save Amazon Soy Protection Pact

Retailers Fight to Save Amazon Soy Protection Pact

27 Jan

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Summary

European retailers urge traders to uphold soy commitments.
Brazil's 20-year Amazon soy moratorium has collapsed.
Loss of pact risks widespread Amazon deforestation.

Retailers Fight to Save Amazon Soy Protection Pact

European retailers are urgently seeking to salvage elements of the Amazon soy moratorium, a critical 20-year forest protection agreement, after its dismantling by Brazilian lawmakers and international traders. High-profile brands, including Tesco and Sainsbury's, have penned an open letter to major soy traders like Cargill and Bunge, expressing deep disappointment and warning of damaged consumer confidence.

The withdrawal of the Brazilian soy producers' association Abiove from the moratorium is a significant blow, raising concerns of unchecked deforestation in the Amazon. Conservation groups fear this could lead to the clearing of vast areas, potentially the size of Portugal, as land speculators anticipate a rollback of protections.

Retailers are pressing traders and producers to confirm their continued adherence to previous climate and environmental commitments. They emphasize the importance of robust reporting, monitoring, and verification of supply chains to prevent deforestation. The moratorium had previously prevented an estimated 17,000 sq km of deforestation since its inception in 2006.