QS Soy^plus - Benchmarking requirements for standard owners

This section deals with compliance with the relevant legislation on the protection of forests and ecosystems. This is an important first step towards responsible soy production. Most countries where soy is grown have a comprehensive legal framework in place, including several (ratified) international conventions. However, according to FEFAC, demonstrating compliance with national and local legislation remains a challenge for many stakeholders. It is therefore essential to verify compliance with these laws in a comprehensible manner.

The criteria for responsible working conditions are derived directly from the ILO core labour standards and are supplemented by criteria for the health and safety of employees. Criteria from this area are, for example

• All workers in soy production can carry out their work safely and without health consequences
• They receive an appropriate wage
• Working hours are reasonable and are adhered to
• Workers are provided with and use appropriate and suitable protective equipment and clothing for all potentially hazardous activities

The aim of standards in sustainable soy production is to protect nature and biodiversity. Accordingly, the standard owners must check whether, for example, the relevant legislation on the expansion of soy cultivation is being complied with. It is also about responsible waste management and recycling measures. Key criteria in this area are

• Legal or illegal conversion and deforestation not after the cut-off date of 31 December 2020, including natural forests, grasslands, wetlands, swamps, peat bogs, savannahs, steep slopes and riverbanks
• Areas that are protected as legal reserves, nature reserves or otherwise protected by law must be protected. These areas must be restored to their former state if a change has taken place, or legally authorised compensatory measures must be taken
• Responsible management of production waste such as appropriate storage and disposal of fuel, tyres, lubricants, waste water and other waste in accordance with national regulations. In addition, measures for waste avoidance and recycling.
• Efforts are made to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

Farmers can make their production more sustainable by applying precision farming techniques and incorporating knowledge of relevant good practices to improve production. Good agricultural practice starts with healthy soil that is able to retain water and provide nutrients for plants. Important measures for this include

• Avoidance of erosion
• Exclusion of agrochemicals listed in the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions
• Use of agrochemicals only in accordance with best practice
• Soil improvement through crop rotation
• No-till farming

In principle, the legal use of the land must be clearly clarified and verifiable. Land use conflicts in areas with traditional land users must be avoided.

Farmers do not produce in isolation, but must consider the concerns of their customers, their supply chain and their neighbours. It is important that farmers are open to questions and concerns and that they are accessible to their neighbours, whether farmers, local communities or indigenous peoples. Therefore, the FEFAC Soy Sourcing Guidelines also include criteria for communicating with others and handling complaints appropriately.

• Provide channels for communication and dialogue with the local community on issues related to the activities of the soy farm and its impacts

Standard owners must offer farmers certification that is neutral, competent, transparent, open to everyone and comprehensible at all times. This means, for example:

• There are publicly accessible guidelines and documents
• Audits are carried out by neutral third parties on the farms
• Auditors receive regular training
• There is a system to ensure the integrity of the standard