CP Foods commits to fighting deforestation across the supply chain

Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CP Foods) has vowed to protect, restore and preserve biodiversity, as well as combat deforestation across its supply chain, and complete its mission to become a “low-carbon organisation” for food security and the good health of global consumers.

“CP Foods Biodiversity and Zero Deforestation Commitment, on target to be achieved by 2030, affirms the company’s social responsibility, which has been exercised through the ‘Balance of Nature’ strategy – one of three organisational pillars supporting sustainability practices, also including Food Security, Self-Sufficient Society,” explained Mr. Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CP Foods. 

The commitment concerns all parties throughout the supply chain, binding all to produce food without harming the environment, in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  The agreement includes CP Foods and all its subsidiaries that operate feed mills, animal business (livestock and aquaculture) and food business (food production and distribution) as well as suppliers of raw agricultural materials such as maize, fish meal, palm oil, soybeans and tapioca. 

CP Foods has also implemented the “Self-Sufficient Farmers, Sustainable Corn Project” to support and share knowledge with maize growers in Thailand, to equip them with academic knowledge that supports less use of chemicals and helps combat negative impacts on the climate.

On top of this, CP Foods and its suppliers have agreed to tackle forest encroachment through a responsible procurement and transparent traceability system. Currently, CP Foods accomplishes its goal of achieving 100% traceability of maize, from plantation fields that have legal land deeds but are not in forest areas, using a process supported by satellite imaging technology.

CP Foods developed the Biodiversity Management Plans to monitor suppliers’ traceability efficiency and to assure customers that its products do not contain materials from encroached forest areas. CP Foods 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 combatting deforestation, as the process inhibits its goal of lowering carbon emissions. Trees store carbon, protect soil and prevent the ecosystem from destruction or degradation. This Commitment emphasises the fight against deforestation from the beginning of the company’s supply chain. Moreover, CP Foods has taken part in conserving, protecting and rehabilitating woodland areas 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.