South America is one of the most critical regions for biodiversity and is vital to feeding the world. To protect South America’s natural ecosystem, Cargill announced an accelerated commitment to eliminate deforestation and land conversion from its direct and indirect supply chain of key row crops in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay by 2025.
The commitment spans several important commodities in the global food system, including in-country origination of soy, corn, wheat, and cotton, building upon the company’s global commitment to deforestation-free commodities and conversion-free soy across South America by 2030.
“At Cargill, we are actively shaping a future where critical ecosystems will be protected for generations to come,” said Pilar Cruz, Cargill’s chief sustainability officer. “Accelerating our commitment is a testament to our resolve to make real, tangible progress against deforestation and land conversion, in line with our climate action plan, while also supporting the livelihoods of farmers and agricultural communities that are vital to feeding the world.”
Altogether, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay provide approximately 30% of the world’s trade flows and 13% of the total production of these crops. Cargill’s commitment will help protect native vegetation and support sustainable agriculture in these countries.
“As Cargill works to eliminate deforestation in our supply chains around the world, we are prioritizing collective action and collaborative partnerships with farmers, governments, non-governmental organizations, and other critical stakeholders to find balanced solutions for economic development and environmental conservation,” Cruz added.
In particular, Cargill will leverage World Resources Institute’s (WRI) geospatial expertise alongside improved traceability to strengthen its monitoring, reporting and verification of natural ecosystems and farm areas. WRI is committed to supporting implementation for deforestation- and conversion-free supply chains, which are critical components of food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate action.
“Getting deforestation and conversion of natural ecosystems out of soft commodity supply chains is one of the most significant things a business can do for people, nature, and climate,” said Craig Hanson, managing director of Programs at WRI. “Cargill’s new commitment aligns with a vision that it’s possible to produce food while protecting vital ecosystems. Our monitoring expertise should help Cargill achieve this ambitious commitment in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina by 2025.”
With farmers at the center of the agriculture supply chain, Cargill remains firmly committed to working with farmers across the region and investing in solutions that support their livelihoods.
