Setting a New Bar for Deforestationand Conversion-free Soy in Europe Independent benchmark of soy standards on essential sustainability requirements

The report updates the benchmark for voluntary sustainability standards for soybeans in 2019 The study evaluates 20 voluntary standards systems (VSS) that comply with the guidelines of the European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC SSG), analyzing 49 basic provisions and 11 additional sustainability requirements The criteria include avoiding deforestation and ecosystem conversion, degradation of natural ecosystems, social issues and human rights, traceability, and governance The results show significant variations among the standards, highlighting the need for improvements in traceability and gradual adaptation to the new EU regulation on deforestation-free products.