Developed by the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform, the CSL Learning Platform of IMD’s Global Center for Sustainability Leadership (CSL), the International Trade Centre, and the Sustainable Trade Initiative, the guide aims to “empower” managers by providing a roadmap to building and rolling out sustainable agriculture sourcing strategies effectively.

BSR, the Sedex Information Exchange and the Sustainable Food Laboratory also contributed to the development of the guide and are supporting its outreach.

The guide will help major purchasers of agricultural raw materials, such as the food & beverage industry, convert the risks posed by climate change and depleting natural resources in to business opportunities.

For a secure, safe and increasing supply, crops must be grown and sourced in a sustainable manner taking full account of environmental, social and economic considerations.

“Doing this effectively calls for changes in managerial mind-sets and specific knowledge and skillsets,” the organisations explain in a group statement.

President of the SAI Platform and senior manager of Sustainable Agriculture with The Coca-Cola Company, Ernesto Brovelli, said: “This work reflects the spirit of the SAI Platform; one which aligns farmers and the food and beverage industry behind a common pursuit.

“Following a compelling narrative and clear examples, this publication is breaking ground in helping the reader navigate the path towards more sustainable sourcing,” said Brovelli.

IMD’s CSL Learning Platform director and co-author of the guide, Aileen Ionescu-Somers, added: “No one stakeholder group can resolve these complex challenges on its own. Pooling knowledge and resources enables more radical innovation in food sourcing strategies. The guide is thus a significant contribution to more sustainable food systems for future generations.”

Leigh Stringer

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe