Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
4.9 RTRS Standard for Responsible Soy Production
The Roundtable on Responsible Soy (RTRS) Standard for Responsible Soy
Production
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emerged out of a multi-stakeholder dialogue to promote
economically viable, socially equitable and environmental sound soy produc-
tion across the world. The resulting certification scheme is applicable at a
global level, is relevant to soy production for animal feed, human consumption
and biofuels, is appropriate for producers of all scales and types and meets
global sustainability goals to assure access to a wide range of markets.
The core principles of the RTRS standard cover Legal Compliance and
Good Business Practice, Responsible Labour Conditions, Responsible
Community Relations, Environmental Responsibility and Good Agricultural
Practices. Soil parameters addressed include soil carbon, soil erosion, soil
quality and soil organic matter. Under the Environmental Responsibility
provisions, producers must quantify changes in soil carbon levels and take
appropriate measures to ameliorate negative trends. Requirements addressed
under Good Agricultural Practices include minimising and controlling soil
erosion, maintaining or improving soil quality and monitoring soil organic
matter.
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4.10 RSB Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Biofuel
Production
The Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) is an international, multi-
stakeholder effort aimed at ensuring the sustainability of biofuels production
and processing. To meet this objective, RSB has developed a set of certification
guidelines
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for the production and processing of biofuel feedstock and raw
material that is applicable to biofuel operations along the entire supply chain.
Producers first self-assess their performance across twelve principle areas
identified within the RSB Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Biofuel
Production before submitting their certification application. These principle
areas include: Legality; Planning, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement;
Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Human and Labor Rights; Rural and Social
Development; Local Food Security; Conservation; Soil; Water; Air; Use of
Technology, Inputs, and Management of Waste; and Land Rights.
The objective of the RSB soil principle is to reverse soil degradation related
to biofuels production and to maintain soil health. To that end, producers
must implement a soil management plan designed to maintain or enhance soil
physical, chemical and biological characteristics. At a minimum, the manage-
ment plan must include provisions to: (1) minimise soil erosion through use of
sustainable practices such as crop rotation, vegetative ground cover and
terracing; (2) avoid the use of agrochemicals prohibited by the standard; and
(3) promote long-term soil stability and organic matter content. Progress
requirements include improving soil health through direct planting, permanent
