The Amazon rainforest is the largest and most biodiverse forest on the planet. It comprises approximately one-third of the world's rainforest area and one-third of its plant and animal species. The Brazilian Amazon biome, which includes the rainforest and related ecosystems, is also home to millions of people.

Bunge is working with industry partners, farmers, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders to find ways to balance economic development with the need to preserve the Amazon biome.

In July 2010, Bunge and other members of Brazil’s vegetable oil and grain exporting industries extended their voluntarily moratorium on trading soy from newly deforested areas in the Amazon biome, renewing their commitment for a fifth consecutive year.

After announcing the initial moratorium in July 2006, Bunge and its partner companies formed a Soy Working Group to help implement the terms of the moratorium and to work with the Brazilian government and other stakeholders on key issues. Current members include Bunge, Cargill, ADM, Amaggi, Greenpeace, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, Amigos da Terra, WWF, IPAM, Imaflora, ABIOVE (the Brazilian oilseed processing association), ANEC (the Brazilian grain exporters association) and Articulação Soja-Brasil (Brazilian NGO).

The Soy Working Group has implemented a mapping and monitoring program, educated farmers on environmental best practices through outreach and the distribution of a manual for growers in the region ("Understanding the Soy Moratorium: Responsible Production") and has supported the Brazilian government's efforts to create a workable and enforceable zoning plan.

Third-party monitoring of lands deforested since August 2006 continues to show that the moratorium has been effective in limiting the expansion of soybean farming in the Amazon biome.

During the 2009/2010 Brazilian crop year, the Working Group entered into a partnership with the National Land Survey Institute in Brazil to use new satellite imaging technology that will enhance its ability to detect the presence of soybean crops in deforested areas.  For more information, visit ABIOVE's web site.
 

The Soy Working Group’s efforts will continue in the 2010-2011 moratorium year. The Working Group will improve its monitoring system; support the government in expanding the implementation of land-use policies; support the creation of financial incentives for avoiding deforestation; and continue to encourage farmers to register their properties and comply with Brazilian environmental laws.

A viable, long-term solution for the region needs the collective focus and commitment of the Brazilian government, industry, civil society and other global stakeholders. Bunge and other responsible members of industry will continue to play a constructive role.