Sustainability
The Netherlands oils and fats industry focusses on the sustainable sourcing of oils and fats. We actively promote sustainably produced palm oil, soy, coconut and shea in particular.
Palm Oil
- Expansion in high value forest areas or peat land
- Reduction of wildlife habitats
- Reduction of flora due to monocultures
- Exhaustion agricultural land
- Environmental pollution by fertilizers and pesticides
- Conflicts with indigenous population
- Social and labor conflicts
Sustainable palm oil production
- Yield improvement:
- Best agricultural practices
- Small holder involvement - New plantings on degraded land
- Environmental protection (soil, water, waste)
- Introduce bio-diversity in existing plantations/farms
- Respect rights of local communities
- Social responsibility to employees
- Continuous improvement
MVO focuses on promoting the demand for and the production of sustainable palm oil. We generate awareness of the relevant developments in the countries of origin, as well as in the European market. Over the past years, we have been contributing to improving and maintaining certification standards, explaining traceability as a tool for sustainability, including social topics (human rights, living wages and illegal practices). Furthermore, we stimulate sustainability practices among smallholders.
Soy
Also for responsible soy a global platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue exists.The RTRS – Round Table on Responsible Soy Association – is a non-profit organisation promoting the growth of production, trade, and use of responsible soy. It works through cooperation with those in, and related to, the soy value chain, from production to consumption. It does this through the development, implementation and verification of a global certification standard. The Dutch soy processing industry (oils and fats, animal feed and dairy industry) is closely involved.
The focus of the debate on creating a sustainable soy chain is primarily on the protein. In close consultation with the members, MVO worked together with the animal feed sector which is taking the lead in this policy theme. MVO will continue to support these FEFAC guidelines.
MVO is member of the Dutch Soy Platform (DSP), a multi -stakeholder platform facilitated by IUCN-NL. The target of DSP is to realise 100% conversion free and responsible soy in the Dutch value chain, including consumption, processing and trade. The platform particularly focusses on creating extra positive impact on nature and farmers in high deforestation and or risk areas.
MVO is specifically monitoring the debate and the (currently rather limited) demand for responsible soy oil. MVO also supports the Brazilian Amazon Soy Moratorium. In addition, the growing attention for the local (European) production of soy and the associated opportunities are also monitored and evaluated. Because this primarily is a soy meal debate, this is done is close collaboration with VERNOF.
Coconut supply chain
In view of the increasing attention to child labour in the Dutch supply chains, MVO has started a project focusing on child labour related risks in the coconut supply chain. In this project MVO works in close cooperation with VERNOF, ICCO/Cordaid, Global March against Child Labour en Verité. This project is financed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) from the Fund for combating Child Labour (FBK). This fund aims to contribute to identifying the causes of child labour and proposing solutions.