‘Foul play’ in agricultural supply chains
Agricultural supply chains must improve their practices to address deforestation concerns, according to Gemma Hoskins, Mighty Earth’s UK Director.
Gemma will be speaking at ‘From Soya to Sustainability’ later this month where she will outline her recent Foul Play report which links Brazilian soy to UK animal feed, and outlines the implications of upcoming EU and UK deforestation law.
Brazil recorded a 149% increase of burned area in August 2024 compared to August 2023, Gemma explains.
“My report reveals how the UK chicken sector, including leading supermarkets and fast-food restaurants, risk exposure to illegal deforestation-linked soy. Without robust regulations in upcoming UK deforestation law, British businesses will be unable to eradicate illegal deforestation in soy and chicken supply chains and Brazil will continue to burn, with dire consequences for the climate, and the people and wildlife of the forests.”
Unlike the EU regulation, the proposed UK law does not cover legal deforestation and defers to “relevant local laws” to determine whether it is legal, she warns.
“Legal deforestation contributes to nearly one-third of all deforestation, which in turn drives biodiversity loss and climate change. There are a range of solutions I can offer which include increased traceability and disclosure from soy traders, legislation, the use of 11 billion hectares of already degraded land and farm-led efficiencies.”
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Gemma Hoskins is Mighty Earth’s UK Director, with responsibility to build and lead its UK deforestation campaign to persuade corporations, financial institutions, and government officials to implement strong environmental and human rights policies. Gemma has led numerous soy supply chain investigations, linking cases of Brazilian deforestation to the UK.