Ancient jungle is disappearing
Each year hundreds of square kilometres of virgin jungle disappear. Also, the working conditions of farmers in Brazil are far from ideal and there is often talk of unfair trade agreements. In Brazil 18% of the Amazon has already disappeared. Harmful pesticides are often used in the cultivation of soy which results in the poisoning of both workers and local rivers. There are many problems in the soy production chain. There are however also positive developments, such as sustainable soy.

Sustainable soy
The Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS) is an international coalition of farmers, NGOs and businesses. They are negotiating about a global standard for sustainable produced soy. The outcome and duration of this process are still unknown. Sustainable soy is currently available on the world’s markets. For the production of this sustainable soy are requirements relating both the environment and the working conditions. This soy is called Basel soy, named after the city in Switzerland where the criteria were drawn up.

Which products to buy?
During the last two years, several companies have shifted from ‘regular’ soy to Basel soy. Good examples are Campina (dairy), The Farm (produces pork for De Keurslagers), Kwetters (eggs) and Guliker & Roodbol (eggs). Unfortunately, many companies still use non-sustainable soy. Fairfood wants to stimulate brand owners, of eggs and poultry products especially, to shift to sustainable soy.

What can you do?
You can make a difference by signing the petition. Fairfood uses this to lobby to businesses. You can also buy products made by companies that use Basel soy in their products.