The European vegetable oil, and protein meal industry association FEDIOL's annual conference confirmed sustainability as one the key priorities for the industry sector. Ahead of the expected release of the European Commission communication on boosting the fight against deforestation and forest degradation, John Grossmann, President of FEDIOL recalled the need to continue the constructive dialogue and engagement with producer countries.
public and private objectives on food safety and sustainability”, confirmed sustainability as one of the key priorities
for the vegetable oil and protein meal industry (photo courtesy FEDIOL).
For FEDIOL, tackling deforestation requires cooperation between governments in countries of origin and in destination markets to help improve forest protection laws, enforcement and accompanying measures. With the involvement and active support of official authorities, initiatives by private actors can benefit from a multiplier effect, gain better visibility and momentum, and help deliver comprehensive and lasting results.
We have to do our share in fighting deforestation, both in palm and soybean supply chains. We have gained considerable experience over the years in monitoring, tracing, developing sustainability standards and engaging with producers. We are committed to live up to our respective targets and we need all chain actors to understand that transforming supply chains is a shared responsibility. It can be actively supported by making choices that matter and by increasing the use of the sustainable product, said John Grossmann, President of FEDIOL.
Based on the experience of oilseed crushers and refining companies, FEDIOL is eager to engage constructively in the upcoming policy debate on sustainable sourcing which will be addressed during the new institutional cycle.
The FEDIOL conference also tackled the issue of food and feed safety, which remain the top priority for the vegetable oil and protein meal industry. In this sense, the value of the European food safety system in achieving a high level of consumer protection and the industry’s responsibility in enhancing product safety for human and animal consumption was recognised whilst acknowledging the many challenges ahead for both industry and authorities.
