In a recent press release, Charoen Pokphand Foods PLC (CP Foods) confirmed that the maize supply chain has met the 100% zero-deforestation target, thanks to continual efforts in achieving sustainable and responsible sourcing and full traceability.

All purchased maize is grown on land with legal land deeds, in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and CP Foods policies to help farmers sustainably cope with climate impacts and protect biodiversity.

Woraphot Suratwisit, vice president of Bangkok Produce PLC (BKP), the supplier of agricultural raw materials for CP Foods feed mill, said that his company has strictly followed the responsible and sustainable sourcing policy. All materials must be cultivated on the land with legal deeds and not involving forest encroachment or deforestation. In this regard, based on the traceability system, maize is being supplied by sustainably-maintained plantation fields. Thanks to Blockchain technology, the supply data has been linked with feed mill’s production line, to raise the level of trust and transparency among consumers with the assurance that the purchased maize is not involved with any type of deforestation.

All enlisted in CP Foods maize supply chain, farmers or local purchasers, are required to register. Aside from registration, to identify their plantation fields, farmers must produce their farmer registration books that contain the information from the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. For every purchase, the involved farmer or middle-man is required to add the transaction into the supply data system, so that the system can record the flow of corn and its volume.

Woraphot added that the commitment towards responsible procurement of agricultural raw materials that is aligned with CP Foods sustainable sourcing policy has raised the confidence of consumers throughout the food supply chain. It also supports farmers growing crops on land with legal deeds and encourages business partners to comply with the traceability program for mutual growth. Together, they will take part in mitigating the impacts from climate change and preserve natural resources as well as biodiversity. This will safeguard the ecosystem and ensure the availability of key resources for food production.

CP Foods’ sustainable sourcing policy for 100% zero-deforestation maize goes hand in hand with CP Foods anti-deforestation policy which is an integral part of the company’s net zero greenhouse gas emissions target and supports the Sustainable Development Goals 2, 13 and 15.