Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CP Foods) has vowed to protect, restore and preserve biodiversity as well as combat deforestation across its supply chain through collaboration with suppliers
CP Foods has revealed that it will be sourcing materials from sustainable sources, adhere to its mission of maintaining a low-carbon organisation and achieve decarbonisation, as well as promote food security and good health of global consumers.
Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CP Foods, has said that the company has announced the Biodiversity and Zero Deforestation Commitment, with 2030 as the target to achieve significant changes.
The Commitment affirms the Company's social responsibility, and will be carried out through the “Balance of Nature" strategy, one of the three pillars towards sustainability("Food Security” and “Self-Sufficient Society" being the other two). The commitment concerns all parties, throughout the supply chain, binding all to produce food, without harming the environment and acting in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Commitment applies to CP Foods and its subsidiaries that operate feed mill, animal business (livestock and aquaculture) and food business (food production and distribution) as well as suppliers and farmers, that supply agricultural raw materials such as maize, fish meal, palm oil, soybeans and tapioca. CP Foods, its suppliers and farmers have joined hands in tackling forest encroachment through a responsible procurement system and a transparent traceability system.
CP Foods has accomplished its goal of achieving 100% traceability of maize, back to the plantation fields that have legal land deeds and are not a part of the forest areas. The system has been supported by a satellite image technology, to raise confidence in its procurement. Meanwhile, CP Foods has also implemented the Self-Sufficient Farmers, Sustainable Corn Project to support and share knowledge with maize growers in Thailand, and equip them with the knowledge which helps deal with climate change and enables less use of chemicals.
Meanwhile, CP Foods has developed and exercised the Biodiversity Management Plans in monitoring suppliers' traceability efficiency, to assure that its products do not contain materials from encroached forest areas. The company has also assessed suppliers' operations and traceability practices.
"CP Foods realises the importance of natural resources and preservation of biodiversity, as they are the foundation of the food supply chain and food security. The Biodiversity and Zero Deforestation Commitment was announced because of this realisation," Mr. Prasit said.
He added that CP Foods is committed to combat deforestation as the process harms its goal in lowering carbon emissions. Trees store carbon, protect soil, and prevent the ecosystem from destruction or degradation. The Commitment emphasises the fight against deforestation from the beginning of its supply chain. Meanwhile, CP Foods has taken part in conserving, protecting and rehabilitating terrestrial and mangrove forests to increase biodiversity through several projects including the CPF Rak Ni-Ves Project at the Pasak watershed, Khao Phraya Doen Tong, in Lop Buri province; and the CPF Grow-Share-Protect Mangrove Forestation Project that covers mangrove forestation efforts in Rayong, Samut Sakhon, Chumphon, Songkhla and Phang Nga provinces.
