Sustainable Sourcing Guidelines for Colombian Businesses

© WWF-Colombia

A transformative change of our food systems is what we need to secure long-term food production and a safe environment for all of us. And each of us can play an important role by applying the principles of sustainable production and consumption. For the private sector specifcally, sustainability must become standard operating procedure.

Our Future Food Together Team in Colombia has developed a guide to support the private sector to transition towards more sustainable practices covering the commodities palm oil, livestock, milk, cocoa and fisheries.

Download the Sustainable Sourcing Guidelines here

What is sustainable sourcing?

Sustainable sourcing refers to changing and improving how businesses run their operations. It aims to ensure that the goods and services have undergone a procurement and production process that incorporates sustainability principles, with lesser negative effects on the environment, the economy, and society and positive effects on these same factors (UNDP, 2017). It consists of voluntary actions businesses take to enhance the social or environmental management of activities connected to their goods or services, particularly with suppliers.

© WWF-Colombia

Why is sustainable sourcing important for the private sector?

Customers want to know the origins and materials of the goods they buy, and businesses want to be recognized as industry leaders in environmental stewardship. One approach for companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices is through sustainable procurement. Setting sustainability objectives for climate change and nature preservation is one way they accomplish this. Our team developed the sustainable sourcing guidelines to give guidance to businesses on their way to achieving their sustainabiliy objectives.

The commodities palm oil, livestock, milk, cocoa and fisheries are included in the guidelines.

© WWF-Colombia

The guidelines include sections on knowledge, compliance and disclosure of commitments, verification and certifications for each of the commodities.

Sustainable Sourcing of Beef

Because of its size, the beef industry is well situated to make significant contributions to sustainable food production that will benefit farmers, communities, and the environment.

With approximately 28.2 million head of cattle, Colombia has the fourth largest cattle herd in Latin America. The majority of the livestock are kept in traditional and extensive grazing systems, grazing in broad areas with low stocking rates per hectare. The livestock industry in the country is taking steps to stop deforestation and increase the amount of forest cover. In order to achieve this, a multi-stakeholder group, including producers, retailers, restaurants and others, is working together, which is headed by the Ministry of the Environment. The Colombian Roundtable for Sustainable Livestock has been founded as well.

The guidelines include a detailed checklist for businesses to see whether their sourcing of beef is in line with sustainability principles:

A sustainable food system is built on resilient ecosystems and agricultural activities. Together, we can sustain the planet and ensure a prosperous future for both people and the environment.

Interested in more on our work in Colombia?

Future Food Together Colombia