Mighty Earth’s Post

🚨 Spain’s Supermarket Linked to Deforestation Risk in Brazil 🚨 A new analysis by Mighty Earth reveals that meat products on the shelves of Spanish Supermarkets are likely linked to soy-driven deforestation in the Amazon and Cerrado. Almost 4 million tons of soy were imported from Brazil to Spain last year, feeding animals in intensive farming systems. The Spanish ports of Barcelona and Cartagena play a central role in the operations of global grain giants Bunge and Cargill. With less than six months until the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) takes effect, we’re calling on Spanish retailers urgently to help save Brazil’s precious biomes from further destruction. What will you do now? Carrefour, Mercadona, Auchan Retail, Lidl España, El Corte Inglés, Grupo Dia and ALDI ESPAÑA 📖 Read Mighty Earth's full report below: https://lnkd.in/eHUk9Qv4 📖 Y en español aquí: https://lnkd.in/eYYt_TDu #soy #soyindustry #Spain #SpanishSoy #EUDR #enddeforestation #Brazil #AmazonForest #Cerrado   

Busted! For the first time a new Mighty Earth report reveals Spain’s seven biggest supermarkets are linked to widespread deforestation risk in Brazil. Our analysis found meat products on the shelves of Carrefour, Mercadona, Alcampo, Lidl España, El Corte Ingles, GRUPO DIA and ALDI ESPAÑA are likely linked to soy-driven deforestation in the Amazon and Cerrado. Almost 4 million tons of soy were imported from Brazil into Spain last year, to feed animals in intensive farming systems, with the Spanish ports of Barcelona and Cartagena being central to the operations of global grain giants Bunge and Cargill With less than six months to go before the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), we’re calling on Spanish retailers to act with urgency to be part of the solution to save Brazil’s precious biomes from further destruction. Read the report, “Busted! Spanish soy sourcing linked to deforestation risk in the Amazon and the Cerrado,” in full here: https://lnkd.in/ezx7SqKY And in Spanish here: https://lnkd.in/esSxia2z #soy #soyindustry #Spain #SpanishSoy #EUDR #enddeforestation #zerodeforestation #deforestation #Brazil #AmazonForest #Cerrado #biomes #biodiversity #environment #nature #wildlife #protectourforests #savetheCerrado #protecttheamazon

Carrefour's pioneering Forest Transparency Platform is the first-ever global alert deforestation system for a retailer and a direct result of the impactful "Carrefour Nous Enfume" campaign by Mighty Earth. Since our campaign broke ground in September 2022, it has shed light on a critical issue – beef products on Carrefour's shelves in Brazil were sourced from meat giant JBS' slaughterhouses with links to illegal deforestation on cattle farms in an Indigenous reserve in the Amazon. Responding with accountability, Carrefour took commendable action by suspending beef supplies from two JBS slaughterhouses. Carrefour's influence led to JBS blacklisting 177 farms not adhering to sustainable practices. 👏 Now with the Forest Transparency Platform, Carrefour is not just taking steps to address past allegations, but also setting a benchmark for corporate responsibility and transparency in the fight to end deforestation in meat supply chains. This initiative represents a significant stride towards ethical sourcing and offers a blueprint for other retailers to follow. Read more from Boris Patentreger, Sr. Director of France at Mighty Earth ➡️ https://lnkd.in/emKhqm8q

IF LEATHER IS A CO-PRODUCT OF THE #MEATINDUSTRY, WHY IS TRACEABILITY SO IMPORTANT? One word: DEFORESTATION Whilst it's impossible to know whether leather is 'deforestation-free', concerns over #humanrights abuses and the devastating #environmentalimpact of deforestation have resulted in exclusions from corporate #supplychains - and now the European Parliament - for non-compliance of responsible sourcing policies. ❌ For instance, "in the aftermath of the 2019 fires in the Amazon, global #fashionbrands H&M and VF Corporation suspended all use of leather originating from Brazil because of the #cattleindustry's role in the fires" (as per Chain Reaction Research report, 'Material Financial Risk from Deforestation in Beef Supply Chains Dec 2020': https://lnkd.in/gecr9Y_4) ❓ Why? Because of all the human activities heating our climate, none is more responsible for #deforestation than #animalagriculture. In fact, the cattle industry is the largest driver of deforestation accounting for 80% of current deforestation rates in the Amazon (https://lnkd.in/gzeEsfST) 🌎 The Amazon represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforests, making it a crucial and decisive tool in our fight against #climatechange. 🔗 Connecting the two: 🇧🇷 Brazil has the largest cattle herd in the world. 🐄 Brazil is also the biggest exporter of bovine leather in the world, bringing "in $1.1 billion for Brazilian slaughterhouses" in 2021 (https://lnkd.in/ge6MK9mt)  Yet very little attention has been drawn to the deforestation risk resulting from the production of leather from cows that have grazed in the Amazon...until now. 🙏 Whilst I'm certainly NOT a consumer, one thing is very clear: with the link between #animalagriculture and deforestation increasingly gaining international attention, there's never been a greater need for transparency and #traceability for manufacturers and businesses to satisfy the demand from consumers around #environmentalresponsibility. (or...to save the need for #activism and political intervention to salvage our most valuable #naturalresources, we could just stop supporting the consumption of animal-derived products altogether...just sayin' 💡💡💡) 📸 European Union https://lnkd.in/g3UZU97T + TakeOut by Michal Siewierski https://lnkd.in/gmVs2NCj

🌍 Climate Change Impacts Spain's Brassicas 🥦 🔍 As climate change alters landscapes, Murcia's brassica growers are adapting, moving to regions with better climatic conditions and water access. 📉 Production Challenges The start of the season saw a 40% drop in brassica volumes, including broccoli and cauliflower, causing supply issues in supermarkets. Drought and heat are forcing farmers to rethink cultivation strategies and locations. 🌿 New Growing Areas Farmers are relocating to areas like Andalusia, Castilla La Mancha, Extremadura, and Northern Spain. They're also exploring options abroad, like in Poland, to ensure a continuous supply chain. 🔬 Seed Innovation Seed companies are developing hardier, climate-resilient varieties to meet these new challenges, focusing on productivity and suitability for mechanical harvesting. #ClimateChange #Agriculture #Innovation #Sustainability #Spain https://lnkd.in/dTYpzu2u

Rainforest alliance and the new EU directive regarding deforestrationfree supply chains, which came first, the chicken or the egg? According to Rainforest alliance, the new regulations are welcomed. But what does the little green frog actually guarantee? Fair work conditions and minimum 30% of the ingredients must come crops harvested on land that haven't been subject to deforestration. What was wrong with the Fair Trade organization? Is this green washing at it's best, a green frog and you are good to go exporting. And who is behind Rainforest alliance? In 2018 UTZ and Rainforest alliance merged. The two organisations share huge reach and influence, certifying everything from McDonald’s to supermarket own-brand products. Their logos show that products and producers are meeting certain environmental and workers’ rights criteria. Much vital information is currently missing from the standards. Rainforest Alliance has not yet said how it intends to enforce its standards; how it will determine timeframes for improvement criteria; or what the rules will be about the use of its logo on products. In the past, the Rainforest Alliance has been seriously criticised for allowing its logo to be used on the packaging if just 30% of one ingredient had been bought from certified sources. Rainforest Alliance has not published information on how it plans to use audits, and for example how many will be unannounced. The Accountability Framework initiative (AFi) is a collective effort of diverse organisations dedicated to protecting forests, natural ecosystems, and human rights by making ethical production and trade the new normal. "Our Coalition includes the AFi Steering Group, Supporting Partners, and Backbone Team, supported by the funders listed below. The Private Sector Advisory Group provides input and guidance from the perspective of companies, industry groups, and financial institutions. (McDonalds, Mars, PepsiCo, BNP Paribas. Backbone team consists of Rainforest alliance) Chocolate sales rose by over 5% between March and August of last year (2020), and sales of premium chocolate increased by almost 13% compared to sales in 2019, according to the National Confectioners Association. The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t helped matters as the global recession drives down cocoa prices." The sales rose but prices went down?? Poverty drives socially and environmentally harmful practices, such as deforestation and child labor in cocoa farming communities, which can have long-term negative impacts on financial performance and resiliency and for both cocoa farmers and corporate buyers. Soy, palm oil, cocoa and coffee - certifications to guarantee no child labour, humane working conditions and no deforestration. So obey the rules for the certification since we now made a regulation that we can only buy commodities from non-deforested land. Where does this leave the independent farmers?

(MEXICO 07.03.24) #avocados Mexico promotes sustainable production and marketing of avocados. Mexico's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, along with state governments and agribusinesses, are collaborating to promote sustainable avocado production and marketing. They aim to ensure orderly growth without changing land use, emphasizing environmental responsibility. Efforts include adhering to sustainable forest development laws and discouraging deforestation to protect the avocado market. Measures such as mapping land use and implementing monitoring systems are being employed to safeguard against negative impacts on forests due to avocado cultivation. ----- [AG: The commitment of Mexico to sustainable avocado production may impact Australia's various slogans, such as "Grown In Good Nature" and "Green and Clean." If Mexico successfully implements sustainable practices and strengthens environmental protections in its avocado industry, it could enhance its reputation for environmentally responsible agriculture. This might create competition for Australia's image as a producer of clean and green goods, potentially diluting the impact of Australia's slogans in overseas markets. Additionally, if Australia is unable to compete with countries like Mexico on price, it may need to focus on other competitive advantages, such as quality, safety, and traceability. Australia could emphasize its strict food safety standards, high-quality produce, and transparent supply chains to differentiate itself in the global market. Moreover, Australia could target niche markets that prioritize sustainability and are willing to pay a premium for products that align with their values. Ultimately, Australia may need to adapt its marketing strategies and value propositions to remain competitive in the face of changing global dynamics.] ----- https://lnkd.in/giq7Vksq

At the annual shareholder meeting of Carrefour the CEO of the French supermarket giant welcomed a question from our Senior Director for France Boris Patentreger. Alexandre Bompard revealed that Mighty Earth has had 8 meetings with senior Carrefour executives in 15 months as we strive to reach our common goal of ending deforestation in meat and soy supply chains in Brazil. In response to our question from the floor of the AGM, Carrefour outlined how it is monitoring 30,000 cattle farms in Brazil that supply it with beef. Interestingly there is no transparency on how the farms are suspended by the meatpackers and it’s just the direct cattle supply not the many indirect farms, which represent the highest deforestation exposure. On soy, Carrefour insisted it’s also putting pressure on its soy suppliers to ensure deforestation is not entering supply chains. Bravo, but what’s the plan to be 100% compliant with the new zero deforestation regulation, EUDR in Europe at the end of the year? One big question that went unanswered – is Carrefour going to cut commercial ties with JBS, the world’s biggest meat company and known forest destroyer? Watch the full interaction from the AGM here. Glenn Hurowitz Mariana Bombo Perozzi Gameiro Jordan McDonald Alex Wijeratna Isabel Fernández Cruz

Disparities in the Coffee Industry Raise Concerns About Sustainability and Social Responsibility - What's Nestlé Nespresso SA's Vision for a Fairer Future? It is concerning to see the stark contrast between the luxurious lifestyles of some individuals within the coffee industry, such as coffee farmers wearing Rolex watches and Nespresso staff flying in first class , while coffee pickers in countries only $2 a day for long and arduous work. This disparity raises questions about the ethics and sustainability of the coffee supply chain and the responsibility of companies like Nestlé Nespresso SA in addressing these issues. In light of this, a critical question that arises is: How does the future of sustainable coffee cultivation look like, and what is Nestlé Nespresso SA's vision in addressing the social and economic disparities within the coffee industry? While the concept of regenerative agriculture is promising, it is essential to ensure that it not only focuses on environmental sustainability but also addresses the social and economic well-being of all stakeholders involved in the coffee production process. While progress is being made towards regenerative agriculture, it is crucial for companies like Nestlé Nespresso SA to prioritize not only environmental sustainability but also social responsibility within the coffee supply chain to create a more equitable and sustainable future.

So many exciting developments at Nestlé #Brazil! In visiting the country team, one particular experience really stuck with me: spending time on the Fazenda Três Meninas Coffee Farm in the Cerrado Mineiro. Ana Paula Curiacos Urtado and Marcelo Cocco Urtado have achieved so much in regenerative farming and water management to reduce emissions and capture carbon through healthier soils. It’s clear that their team sees regenerative and climate-smart agriculture as THE way forward for a successful and sustainable business, and Nespresso AAA and the Nescafé Plan support this 100%.   This farm is just one example that proves that we shouldn’t be waiting around, hoping for a new technology to act on #climate. With today‘s methods and technologies, we can already drive amazing change. We are proud to partner with farmers and want to continue to do more to accelerate this transition and impact.   My thanks to Marcelo Melchior and Laurent Freixe for the exceptional progress in Brazil, and to the many teams in the field and throughout the business who show great passion for their work as they help drive the future of our organization.   #farming #sustainability