Washington, October 6, 2021 – Today, the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance (SFPA) released the following statement in response to the introduction of legislation aimed at addressing the issue of deforestation in agriculture supply chains:

“SFPA commends Senator Schatz and Representatives Blumenauer and Fitzpatrick for their commitment to addressing deforestation in agricultural supply chains. SFPA member companies Danone North America, Mars, Incorporated, Nestlé USA, and Unilever United States agree that a legislative approach that ensures a pathway to no more than 1.5 C global warming and strengthens worldwide supply chains is necessary to complement voluntary efforts to address deforestation.

As global companies, we believe it is essential that any legislative approach to this important issue is coordinated across international governments, including the EU and UK, which are also actively working to develop deforestation-related proposals to address deforestation; include adequate resources and realistic implementation timelines; provide trade certainty for suppliers and companies; ensure a clear incentive and penalty structure; prioritize credible requirements to help further ensure supply chain due diligence, transparency and reporting; and create strong frameworks to advance appropriate policy environments in host countries, as well as U.S. enforcement capacity. These actions together will expedite the global transition of the supply base to more responsibly sourced forest-derived commodities and facilitate accountability and trust from all stakeholders. 

We look forward to continuing to work with Congress on this important issue.”

###

About the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance

The Sustainable Food Policy Alliance seeks to accelerate the pace of change in the food industry through individual company leadership and collective support for public policies that raise the bar and inspire further action in this critical journey. As some of the world’s best-known food companies, founding members Danone North America, Mars, Incorporated, Nestlé USA, and Unilever United States recognize our responsibility to drive positive change for the people who use our products, the people who supply them, and the planet on which we all rely. To learn more about the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance, visit www.foodpolicyalliance.org.