AgroPages-Bayer, Santander, Unilever and Yara launch RTRS program for sustainable use of agrochemicals in Brazil‏-Agricultural news

Four big groups connected directly or indirectly to food production in Brazil - Bayer CropScience, Santander, Unilever, and Yara Fertilizers - will gather to stimulate the soybean national chain to adequate to the most complete international standards of environmental and social sustainability of farm business. The program Produzindo Certo (Producing Right) will support producers to obtain the RTRS (Round Table Responsible Soy) certification and is aligned with the Stockholm Convention, which regulates the use of agrochemicals in the world.

Assuming the commitments with the adoption of good production practices, social responsibility and correct management of natural resources, farmers stay lawful with environmental legislation and yet an easy access to financial lines, besides opening the market for most demanding international purchasers of soybeans.

The program is managed by the Alliance of the Earth, an organization of the civil society founded in 2004 and acts with over 800 rural producers all over the country. Initially, Produzindo Certo will be offered in the soybean producing regions of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, and Rio Verde, Goiás.

"The first step was to enter in direct contact with producers suggested by the partner companies. For those who accepted the project, we offer access to a package of benefits to the sponsor brands,” explains Aline Maldonado Locks, general manager of the Alliance of the Earth. Through that, farmers will receive a technical visit of the organization.

Producers will receive technical visits and advisory to do the necessary adjustments. And also will be able to have courses and consultancies offered by the partner companies. Only at the first stage of the program, nearly 132 customers with potential for certification were surveyed in Minas Gerais and Goiás - the initial focus will be given to producing regions of Urberlândia, MG.

The sponsors will adopt complementary lines to support farmers:

Bayer CropScience - It will provide to Valore its recognized certification for agricultural production. Therefore, it will provide technical services, integrated solutions of crop management and its relationship platform with the field. The company also intends to value soybeans in its barter process.

Santander - It will speed up credit evaluation for participating on agricultural lines for financing agricultural activities through Rural Credit, CPR (Certificate of Rural Product) or BNDES (National Bank of Economic and Social Development) loans, prioritizing the customer service.

Unilever - It is committed to the purchase of all claims from soy certification.

Yara - Its technicians will prioritize the properties of the program in its visits, giving all the necessary support for the better nutrition of plants with personalized technical assistance.