Kylie Porter, a seasoned ESG and sustainability professional, leads SunRice Group’s global sustainability strategy, focusing on climate change, biodiversity, and human rights. She has spearheaded initiatives such as the company’s Net Zero commitment and the decarbonization of rice production. Kylie’s leadership experience with the United Nations Global Compact Network Australia and her extensive work across corporate and NGO sectors further enrich SRP’s strategic vision.

Sandra Razanamandranto brings over 20 years of experience in sustainable agriculture and certification schemes. As Cocoa Commodity Lead at Preferred by Nature, Sandra has championed sustainable practices across global supply chains. Her deep understanding of stakeholder collaboration, combined with her personal connection to rice production in Madagascar, underscores her commitment to advancing SRP’s goals of improving farmer livelihoods and reducing environmental impact.

“We are excited to welcome Kylie Porter and Sandra Razanamandranto to the SRP Board,” said Wyn Ellis, SRP Executive Director. “Their wealth of experience and dedication to sustainable practices will be invaluable as we continue our work to transform the global rice sector and create meaningful impacts across value chains.”

The new Board members join SRP at a pivotal time as the organization advances key initiatives, including the rollout of SRP RiceTrace, ongoing SRP Standard and Performance Indicator revision, and the development of a Low Carbon Assurance Module. Their leadership will be instrumental in shaping SRP’s strategic direction and expanding its global impact in promoting sustainable rice production.

About the Sustainable Rice Platform

The Sustainable Rice Platform e.V. (SRP) is a global multi‐stakeholder alliance comprising over 100 institutional members from the public, private, research, civil society and the financial sector. SRP works with its members and partners towards transforming the global rice sector by improving smallholder livelihoods, reducing the social, environmental and climate footprint of rice production, and by offering the global rice market an assured supply of sustainably produced rice.

SRP promotes resource-use efficiency and climate change resilience in rice systems (both on-farm and throughout value chains) and pursues voluntary market transformation initiatives by developing sustainable production standards, indicators, incentive mechanisms, and outreach mechanisms to boost wide-scale adoption of climate-smart, sustainable best practices among small farmers.

For more information on the Sustainable Rice Platform contact info@sustainablerice.org or visit www.sustainablerice.org

Contact:
Roong Tepkaew, SRP Communications and Membership Manager
Email: roong.tepkaew@sustainablerice.org

Background

To drive progress in sustainable rice cultivation, SRP is developing a Low Carbon Assurance Module (LCAM). This tool focuses on insetting and verifying low-carbon claims for Scope 3 emission reductions within value chains. In collaboration with CarbonFarm and AgriCapture, the pilot projects will explore carbon offsetting opportunities to generate new revenue streams for rice farmers.

Project Outcomes

The pilot projects will develop scalable business models, enabling SRP members to channel carbon finance revenues directly to farmers.

Approach

Two main approaches are envisioned:

1. Support for Member-Led Projects: Providing carbon asset development and digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) services to SRP members interested in developing their emission reduction projects.
2. Investor Partnerships: Sourcing and developing rice-based emission reduction projects for investors seeking financial or carbon credit returns.

Interested in learning more? Download the full Call for EoI document for all the details, including criteria, timelines, and submission guidelines. For further information, please contact Rowell Dikitanan, SRP Impact, Monitoring & Evaluation Manager, at rowell.dikitanan{at}sustainablerice.org.

The event offers attendees the opportunity to engage with global and regional experts and stakeholders who are committed to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of rice value chains. Participants will discover innovative solutions and collaborative initiatives, such as the Sustainable Rice Landscapes Initiative and the Global Environment Facility, both designed to drive impactful and scalable change. Attendees will gain valuable insights directly from SRP members and key stakeholders, who will share essential recommendations and lessons learned from their experiences within the SRP framework.

“There’s never been a more important moment for the transformation of the sustainable rice eco-system both in Asia and globally,” said Wyn Ellis, SRP Executive Director, based in Thailand. He highlighted that a shift to more sustainable rice farming practices will be crucial to boost farm livelihoods, enhance food and water security and combat climate change.

Since its launch in 2017, the SRP Conference has emerged as a flagship event and forum for bringing together stakeholders from across the global rice sector. Following the success of the last event in 2019, SRP anticipates over 300 high-level delegates from industry, government, research and development partners joining the conference this year. 

The conference aims to explore the latest innovations, share best practices, and build new partnerships to promote sustainability in rice cultivation and supply chains.

“This event is designed to offer a rich platform to explore the latest tools for impact monitoring- including carbon accounting- and to share knowledge and connect with leaders advancing sustainable practices worldwide,” said Dr. Ellis. “SRP invites attendees to be part of the conversation that will set the stage for sustainable transformation — foster new partnerships, exchange ideas, and help build a more sustainable future for the rice sector!”

Why Attend? 

• Learn from leading experts in sustainable rice production. 
• Explore the latest innovations and approaches. 
• Network with stakeholders and peers from around the world. 
• Participate in discussions to catalyze broader change through collaboration. 

Event Details: 
Dates: 26-27 November 2024 
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ICT (GMT+7) 
Venue: United Nations Conference Centre
United Nations Building, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok, Thailand 

Registration: https://app.glueup.com/event/3rd-global-sustainable-rice-conference-and-exhibition-2024-113133/ 

Join us in Bangkok to shape the future of sustainable rice production!

About the Sustainable Rice Platform

The Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) is a global multi‐stakeholder alliance comprising over 100 institutional members from the public, private, research, civil society and the financial sector. 

SRP works with its members and partners towards transforming the global rice sector by improving smallholder livelihoods, reducing the social, environmental and climate footprint of rice production, and by offering the global rice market an assured supply of sustainably produced rice. 

SRP promotes resource-use efficiency and climate change resilience in rice systems (both on farm and throughout value chains) and pursues voluntary market transformation initiatives by developing sustainable production standards, indicators, incentive mechanisms, and outreach mechanisms to boost wide-scale adoption of climate-smart, sustainable best practices among small farmers.  

Contact:
Roong Tepkaew, SRP Communications and Membership Manager
Email: roong.tepkaew@sustainablerice.org

All SRP members are invited to participate by voting for the candidates who will represent them on the SRP Board. Personalized electronic ballots were sent via email to eligible members on 6 November 2024.

Before submitting your votes, we encourage members to review each candidates biography and qualifications below to make an informed decision.

Please remember that the voting period will close at 17:00 (UTC+1) on 20 November 2024. We strongly encourage SRP members to vote before this deadline.

The election results will be officially announced during the SRP Annual General Assembly on 27 November 2024. Member participation is vital to shaping SRP’s future, and we looks forward to active member involvement in this important democratic process.

Candidates: Supply Chain Actors

Kylie Porter, Head of Sustainability

SunRice

Bio:
Kylie Porter is a sustainability and ESG-risk professional with more than 20 years’ experience in sustainability strategy and leadership roles. As SunRice Group’s Head of Sustainability, Kylie leads on the development and execution of the Group’s sustainability strategy globally, including across key areas of climate change, biodiversity, human rights and community investment. This includes the Group’s Net Zero commitment and implementation of its emissions reduction targets, which includes initiatives to decarbonise rice.

Kylie was previously the Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Australia — the Australian Local Network of the United Nations Global Compact — where she transformed the organisation into Australia’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. Kylie has held corporate sustainability roles in financial services, professional services and international NGO sectors across Australia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Kylie is driven by her ambition to enable organisations to achieve positive change for people and planet by embedding sustainability principles and commitments into corporate strategy. Kylie was recognised as an ESG Power50 by FS Sustainability in 2024.

Currently, Kylie is member of the Australian Government’s Expert Advisory Group on Modern Slavery, the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) Expert Advisory Group, the Co-Chair of Footy for Climate and the Deputy Chair of XSPI’s Advisory Committee. She was previously a board member of the UN Global Compact and an adviser to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s External Advisory Group for Australia’s new International Development Policy. Kylie holds a Masters in Social Science (International Development), is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a fellow of the Cranlana Institute’s Vincent Fairfax Fellowship on Ethical Leadership. 

Motivation:
I am applying for a position on the SRP Board as a ‘supply chain actor’. I hold over 20 years’ experience in sustainability across the corporate, not-for-profit, United Nations and consulting sectors. My professional experience includes leadership positions with the United Nations and listed companies and I have recently moved into the food sector as the Group Head of Sustainability for SunRice – a company with operations in 10 countries and that sources rice from over 12 countries, including owning and operating rice mills in Australia, the US and Vietnam. The SunRice Group has branded products in over 50 countries globally that includes packed rice, value add products such as snacks and ambient meals, ruminant feed, horse feed, pet food and a gourmet food business that imports goods predominantly from Europe. We hold significant market share in Australia and the Pacific Islands and strong market share for medium-grain rice in the Middle East.

The SunRice Group’s sustainability strategy is focused on decarbonisation, biodiversity and respecting human rights. We are the second company in Australia to set a Forestry, Land and Agricultural (FLAG) Science Based Target and we are underway in developing and publishing our Net Zero Roadmap, which includes initiatives to decarbonise rice growing practices throughout our supply chain. We also have a strong focus on respecting human rights, working with our suppliers to put practices in place to reduce the risk of harm to people and enable us to manage and respond to human rights risks. 

SunRice’s sustainability strategy is strongly aligned to the SRP’s aim to “feed the world sustainably by improving rice production and reducing its environmental impact”. SunRice have been a member of the SRP for numerous years and we are now in a strong position to strengthen that engagement and look at ways of integrating SRP verified into the way in which we do business for our own milling operations and within our supply chain. To do this, collaboration across the rice value chain is required. 

My expertise in sustainability, coupled with my strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities present for SunRice will allow me to contribute to SRP’s growth both in terms of the size of the initiative and its reputation. As a medium-sized enterprise, I am also able to bring a pragmatic view to the SRP Board – highlighting the ways in which stakeholders can work collaboratively to strengthen the rice industry’s contribution to sustainable development.  

Raúl Uraga, Operations Manager

SAMAN

Bio: 
I am 48 years old, agronomist with a degree from the University of the Republic of Uruguay, complemented by a Postgraduate degree in Agribusiness and an MBA from IEEM Business School.  

With 20 years of experience at Uruguay’s leading rice company, SAMAN, I began my career as a field technician, supporting 30 farmers in the central region. I then advanced to agricultural management, overseeing a team of 7 agronomists and serving 170 farmers. 

Currently, I lead the entire operations area, which encompasses industrial plant management (8 plants), planning and logistics (750.000 ton paddy), rice sourcing (80.000 hás), and quality assurance.  

Despite being a very small country where only 1% of the territory is cultivated with rice, Uruguay ranks among the world’s top 10 rice exporters, known for its internationally recognized quality.  

We export to over 60 countries and are one of the top three countries globally in terms of yield per hectare, positioning me to provide valuable insights and strategic guidance in all the supply chain, including the agricultural and industrial sector. 

I participate in the Uruguayan Rice Technology Network, collaborating with the Technological Laboratory of Uruguay (LATU – www.latu.org.uy), the Association of Rice Producers of Uruguay (ACA – www.aca.com.uy), and the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA – www.inia.uy). I´m also part of the board of the Rice Millers Asociation of Uruguay (GMA – molinosarroceros.com). 

Participating in the Rice Technology Network gives me a broad perspective on research and development, the use of new technologies in rice industrial processes, and an understanding of the emerging demands of consumers in more discerning countries. This allows me to stay at the forefront of the international market in terms of exporting high-quality rice with certified processes throughout all stages of production. 

I had the privilege of being invited by GRISP/IRRI to present at the 2012 conference, where I showcased Uruguay as an international benchmark in rice production, processing, and exportation. This opportunity allowed me to highlight our country’s unique agricultural practices, emphasizing our commitment to sustainability and quality. Presenting this case not only reinforced Uruguay’s position on the global stage but also facilitated valuable exchanges with experts in the field, further enriching my understanding of best practices and innovations in rice agriculture. 

Motivation:
I am deeply motivated to participate in the Board due to my longstanding passion for sustainability. For over 10 years, I have been involved in initiatives aimed at certifying rice production based on environmental qualities. Uruguay stands out as the only country where rice is produced exclusively in rotation systems with other crops or pastures, prohibiting continuous monoculture. This practice not only ensures high yields but also promotes low use of agrochemicals and fertilizers. 

Additionally, I place significant emphasis on water management. I have extensive experience in administering both public and private irrigation systems, providing irrigation services to over 30,000 hectares of rice. By participating in the council, I hope to further contribute to sustainable practices in agriculture, aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship. 

Integrating the advisory council would be an honor for me, as it would allow me to share my experiences with professionals from different fields and countries. I am eager to learn from diverse realities and be part of a dedicated group focused on environmental preservation and social aspects throughout the rice supply chain. I have traveled multiple times to Southeast Asia and other countries in the region, always seeking to expand my knowledge in the rice sector. I believe that collaboration and exchange of ideas are crucial for advancing sustainable practices and enhancing the global rice industry. 

Candidates: Service, Equipment and Input Providers

Niroj Mohanty, Founder and Managing Director

Core Carbon X Sols Pvt Ltd

Bio:
Total years of Experience: 20 Years in Climate Change and Sustainability including Sustainable Rice Cultivation.

Niroj Mohanty is the Managing Director and CEO of Core CarbonX Sols Pvt Ltd, where he leads a global team dedicated to addressing climate change through sustainability advisory and asset management. As a founding partner, he played a crucial role in establishing the company’s global climate business, leveraging his extensive expertise in carbon and climate solutions since 2005.

Before his tenure at CoreCarbonX, Niroj was instrumental in launching carbon-related initiatives for prominent organizations such as PricewaterhouseCoopers and CantorCO2e in India. His significant contributions to the field include serving on the Methodologies Panel of the CDM Executive Board and advising several Climate-Tech enterprises.

Currently, Niroj is a member of the Methodologies Expert Panel within the Carbon Cells at the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, where he collaborates on the development of methodologies for the Carbon Credit Trending Scheme (CCTS) offset mechanism focused on rice cultivation. He is actively leading efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across rice fields covering over 100,000 hectares in six states of India under the Voluntary Carbon Market. 

Niroj holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai and a Bachelor of Technology in Textile Technology from Utkal University. His passion for sustainability and commitment to innovative solutions continue to drive progress in the field of climate action.

Motivation:
I am excited to submit my candidacy for a position on the Board of the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) on behalf of Core CarbonX Sols Pvt Ltd under the constituency “Service, input and equipment providers”. With extensive experience in sustainable agriculture and climate solutions, I am deeply committed to promoting practices that enhance productivity while safeguarding our environment. My professional journey has equipped me with the insights and skills to contribute meaningfully to the SRP’s mission of advancing worldwide sustainable rice production.

As a member of the Methodologies Panel of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Executive Board, I have gained invaluable experience in developing and assessing methodologies that support carbon reduction initiatives. This role has honed my understanding of the complexities involved in implementing sustainability practices within agricultural systems. Additionally, my work as an advisor to various Climate-Tech enterprises has enriched my knowledge of innovative technologies that can help transform rice cultivation into a more sustainable endeavor. 

In my current position on the Methodologies Expert Panel within the Carbon Cells at the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, I actively collaborate on developing methodologies for the Carbon Credit Trending Scheme (CCTS) offset mechanism, specifically tailored for rice cultivation. This experience has provided me with a deep understanding of the agronomic challenges faced by rice farmers, as well as the potential for carbon markets to incentivize sustainable practices that can improve both yields and environmental outcomes. 

I am particularly passionate about engaging with diverse stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural practices that are economically viable and socially equitable. My extensive project development and management background—particularly in the context of carbon credit programs and sustainable farming practices covering over 100,000 hectares—uniquely positions me to contribute to the SRP’s goals. I have had the privilege of leading initiatives that integrate sustainable agriculture with climate action, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing productivity and resilience in rice cultivation.

I believe that a collaborative approach is essential for driving innovation and achieving the SRP’s objectives. Being part of the SRP Board would be an incredible opportunity to leverage my insights, experiences, and passion for sustainable rice production. I am eager to work alongside fellow board members and stakeholders to promote sustainable practices, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and ensure that rice remains a vital source of nutrition and livelihood for communities worldwide.

My vision for the SRP encompasses a focus on building stronger partnerships among farmers, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance sustainable rice cultivation practices that address both food security and environmental sustainability. I am determined to contribute my expertise in methodologies and my unwavering commitment to sustainability to support the SRP in its vital work.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the essential efforts of the Sustainable Rice Platform and to help shape a sustainable future for rice production.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sandra Razanamandranto, Director of the Regional Engagement & Communications Division

Preferred by Nature

Bio: 
Sandra Razanamandranto is the Director of the Regional Engagement & Communications Division of Preferred by Nature where she is responsible for developing regional strategies for our organisation that aims to expand Preferred by Nature’s activities on all continents through the expansion of our services, as well as through the establishment of key alliances and partnerships. Sandra also acts as the Cocoa Commodity Lead for Preferred by Nature, representing the organisation in all aspects related to the commodity which involves advocating and facilitating the widespread adoption of sustainable practices in cocoa production landscapes and supply chains.  

Prior to joining Preferred by Nature in 2018, Sandra worked as Africa Regional Director of Rainforest Alliance certification unit. She also spent over 10 years’ experience in the private sector guiding forestry and agricultural industries to obtain international certifications such as FSC, RSPO and ISO 14 001. In addition, she was also actively involved in the drafting of national FSC and RSPO standards and did engage with various stakeholders such as civil society, government institutions, private sectors etc.. Sandra was part of the first forest certification training programme in Africa. 

She is currently member of Preferred by Nature’s Senior Management Group and is committed to fostering leadership in sustainability. Sandra is based in Accra, Ghana. 

Motivation:
I am excited to apply for the position of Board Member for the Sustainable Rice Platform.

With a background in sustainable agriculture and over 20 years of experience working with development and implementation of certification schemes, stakeholder engagements and responsible land use practices especially in producing countries, I feel deeply committed to SRP’s mission of advancing sustainability within the rice sector.

My professional experience has equipped me with valuable insights into the complexities of sustainable supply chains for various commodities, from field-level practices to market demands, as well as the role of stakeholder collaboration in achieving large-scale impact often in complex and challenging environments. Also, being exposed to concrete international experience – in addition to my personal multicultural background – have allowed me to adapt to cultural sensitivity and to develop a solid and unique global network.

Being part of a Preferred by Nature’s Senior Management Group and having participated in several Board meetings have enabled me to strengthen my leadership skills in goal setting and vision development, in strategic decision making and in effective collaboration with diverse professionals.

Finally, growing up in Madagascar has naturally exposed me from a young age to the vital role the rice sector plays in the country’s culture and economy, as well as the struggles and challenges faced by rice farmers.

I am confident that these backgrounds and skills provide me solid advantages to actively participate in advancing SRP’s goals and supporting the platform’s impact on farmers, ecosystems, and the global food system.

I am eager to bring my knowledge, leadership, passion, and insights to the Board, thank you for considering my application.

Ezhil Subbian, CEO

String Bio

Bio:
Dr. Ezhil Subbian serves as the CEO of String. As one of the world leaders in gas fermentation, String’s proprietary platform enables biomanufacturing of sustainable ingredients from greenhouse gases, for sectors fundamental to living including, food, agriculture and environment. String’s vision is to redefine manufacturing and make sustainability market relevant.

Prior to String, Ezhil played key roles in biobased product innovation at different early-stage companies in the Silicon Valley ecosystem. Building on her experience over the last 20 years in biobased product commercialization and market growth, Ezhil’s drive is to leverage the technology prowess of the west and the manufacturing capabilities of the east to develop sustainable innovations that can have global impact. She serves on the board of ABLE-India and CII-National Biotechnology Committee. 

Ezhil’s work was most recently recognized with the Women Transforming India Award 2018 from United Nations & NITI Aayog.

The winning photos, selected by our esteemed panel of jurors, beautifully illustrate sustainable rice farming and its positive impact on communities and the environment. We are excited to announce the three outstanding winners.

Meet the winners of SRP’s 2nd Global Photo Contest (in alphabetical order)

Photographer: Hafiz Ghulam Jilani

Location:  Punjab/Gujranwala, Narowal, Pakistan

Year: 2024

The story behind the photo: At Meskay & Femtee Agri, we are deeply committed to advancing women’s economic empowerment (WEE) and promoting gender equality. Our SRP farmers’ group is diverse, encompassing both men and women who work side by side in the paddy fields.

Our forward-thinking female farmer groups are actively engaged in the mechanization of paddy cultivation, particularly through Kubota’s innovative solutions for sowing. These women have received comprehensive training to operate machinery efficiently in the field, demonstrating their dedication to modern agricultural practices and sustainable development.

Photographer: Rahmawati Ratih

Location:  Central Java/Boyolali Regency, Indonesia

Year: 2024

The story behind the photo: The story of sustainable rice farming is one of hope and transformation, showcasing how farmers can drive change with the right support. The “Ngudi Rejeki” farmer group, in partnership with Rikolto and the APPOLI cooperative, is leading this revolution through the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP). By adopting innovative techniques like “Jajar Legowo” double-row planting and producing organic fertilizers from golden apple snails, these farmers have significantly increased yields to 8.23 tons per hectare while reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing resilience against climate change.

Their commitment not only secures their futures but also contributes to global food security, highlighting the essential role of sustainable agriculture in combating hunger and environmental challenges. Behind the serene rice fields lies a powerful movement poised to reshape the future of food, climate, and community.

Photographer: Wim Opmeer

Location:  Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

The story behind the photo: In Ubud, you find some of the most beautiful rice fields in the world. During our visit, we encountered this very friendly old rice farmer. We asked him if we could take a photo of him, and we didn’t even have to ask him to smile for the camera.

Winning Photos Featured at the 3rd Global Sustainable Rice Conference

These stunning images will be showcased at the 3rd Global Sustainable Rice Conference and Exhibition, held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, in November 2024. As part of this prestigious event, the winning photos will inspire discussions around the global transformation of the rice sector towards a more sustainable, inclusive future.

In addition to being featured at the conference, these photos will also be displayed across SRP’s website and social media channels to raise awareness and inspire others to join the movement for sustainable rice production and consumption.

Join the Movement: Choose Sustainable Rice

We encourage all stakeholders, including consumers, producers, and industry leaders, to support the sustainable rice transformation by embracing practices that align with SRP’s vision. By promoting sustainable farming methods and choosing SRP-Verified rice, everyone can contribute to reducing environmental impacts, enhancing food security, and supporting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest, and congratulations to the winners! Together, we continue to drive positive change in the global rice sector.

The principal agenda items for the meeting will be as follows:

• Report of the Chair
• Approval of revised SRP Vision, Mission and Value Proposition
• Report of Auditor on Statement of Annual Accounts 2023
• Appointment of Auditors 2024-2025
• Approval of Discharge of the Board
• Announcement of results of election of Board Members (3 seats)
• Approval of 5Y Strategic Plan recommendations (fee structure, membership conditions)
• Update on Executive Director succession

The General Assembly, comprising representatives of all full members, is SRP’s highest decision-making body. The purpose of the annual meeting is to enable all members to exercise their statutory rights and duties in accordance with the SRP Articles of Association, to report on progress and ensure the organization is managed according to the wishes of the membership.

All SRP members are invited and strongly encouraged to participate in this important meeting. A formal invitation, agenda and link to the registration form will be circulated via email to designated primary representatives of all member institutions in accordance with the Articles of Association, with documentation to follow on all resolutions to be tabled.

Please remember that the Annual General Assembly is for SRP members only. Only 1 representative per member organization is permitted to vote; however up to 4 representatives per organization are permitted to attend. Please note that in-person slots are limited to a first come, first served basis, with priority given to voting representatives.

SRP Global Sustainable Rice Conference & Exhibition 2024

With just four weeks to go, we would also like to remind SRP members, partners and friends to register and secure your place at the 3^rd Global Sustainable Rice Conference & Exhibition on 26-27 November at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, Thailand. For more details about the event and registration, visit: https://app.glueup.com/event/3rd-global-sustainable-rice-conference-and-exhibition-2024-113133/.

Call for Board Nominations – want to help shape SRP’s future?

We seek nominations from eligible candidates from the following constituencies to serve for a three-year term on the SRP Board:

• Public sector: 1 seat
• Service, input and equipment providers: 1 seat
• Supply chain actors: 1 seat

In keeping with SRP’s goal to promote diversity throughout the organization, we will especially welcome nominations from women and the global South, and those with a track record of serving on not-for-profit Boards. Please submit your nomination including photo and short bio, as well as your motivation to stand for the Board by email to the Board Secretary at info@sustainablerice.org. Nominations (including self-nominations) will be accepted up to the submission deadline of 17:00 (UTC+7/ICT) on 4 November 2024. Please note, that only a person who has been nominated by an SRP member and who is affiliated to a member can be elected as a Board member.

Voting will then take place via secure, online voting, to be managed by Mi-Voice, an independent third-party provider. Voting will close on 20 November 2024, and the outcome will be announced at the Annual General Assembly. Prospective Board members with questions about the nomination process or duties/time commitment as a Board member should feel free to contact Keith Jones (Board Chair) at keith.jones[at]sustagri.org or Wyn Ellis (Executive Director) at wyn.ellis[at]sustainablerice.org.

Live Webinar Details

Date: 30 October 2024
Time: 09:00 AM CET (UTC+1)/3:00 PM ICT (UTC+7)
Venue: MS Teams webinar (online)

What to Expect

Join Trusti Yuni Widiastuti, SRP Standard & Assurance Manager, for a live demonstration and Q&A session where you’ll learn how to:

• Create and record SRP rice processing.
• Request a Transaction Certificate, including for multiple shipments.
• Monitor and manage your SRP-verified inventory.
• Inquire about label and claim assessments through the platform.

Speaker

Trusti Yuni Widiastuti, SRP Standard and Assurance Manager

Why You Should Attend

This is a key opportunity to get hands-on experience with SRP RiceTrace and ensure you’re ready for its full launch. Don’t miss out!

How to Join

This live session is exclusive to SRP members. A registration link will be sent to all members via email. For any assistance or additional information, please contact us at assurance@sustainablerice.org.

Reminder: Register for Our Upcoming Conference

Be sure to register for the SRP Global Sustainable Rice Conference & Exhibition 2024, where you can connect with industry experts, explore SRP RiceTrace in person, and gain deeper insights into sustainable rice production.

We look forward to your active participation and helping you maximize the benefits of SRP RiceTrace. For any questions or further information, please contact us at assurance@sustanablerice.org.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop SRP’s strategic vision, mission, and operations.
• Oversee SRP’s Assurance Scheme and maintain a strong revenue base.
• Represent SRP publicly to expand membership and build partnerships.
• Manage relationships with members, partners, and key stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate Profile: A senior leader with a passion for sustainable development and experience in the agrifood or sustainable agriculture sectors. Knowledge in commercial rice trading or experience with agricultural commodity standards is a plus. Advanced qualifications, strong communication skills, and a successful track record in fundraising and resource mobilization are essential.

Join SRP and contribute to creating a more sustainable rice sector.

For more details and to apply, visit: https://ngorecruitment.com/permanent-job/?job_id=940362&index=0.

Meet rice farmer Sophea

In Cambodia’s Battambang province, rice farmer Sophea embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience in agriculture. Since embarking on his farming journey as a teenager, he has transformed his modest operation into a thriving enterprise that not only meets local demands but also contributes to international markets. This article explores Sophea’s inspiring journey, his commitment to sustainable practices, and the vital role he plays in empowering his community.

Name of farmer: Sophea Say
Project participated in: Sustainable Rice Project Cambodia
Country: Cambodia
Story submitted by: Mars Food & Nutrition

In the early 2000s, Cambodian agriculture experienced a transformative period, paving the way for individuals like Sophea Say, a visionary jasmine rice farmer from Battambang province in the northwest of Cambodia.

Sophea began his farming journey back in 1999, a 17-year-old who was preparing to start his university studies. Learning the art of rice farming from his father and equipped with a solid educational background in business management, Sophea’s determination led him to expand his modest 10-hectare plot into an impressive 120 hectares over the course of two decades.

Today, Sophea is not only a cultivator of paddy rice but also a source of inspiration for fellow farmers, producing rice seeds that can then be used in Mars Food & Nutrition’s products. With four rice varieties on his land, Sophea adeptly responds to market demands, transitioning seamlessly between seed production and rice cultivation. His vision extends beyond his fields, as he plans to integrate his thriving livestock business, which includes around 100 cows, with his rice cultivation efforts.

Reflecting on his journey, Sophea recalls the labor-intensive farming practices and the challenges he faced in the early years. However, through strategic investments and access to financial resources, Sophea has revolutionized his operations, significantly reducing labor costs and improving efficiency. “Every year, my rice production has grown with good profits,” says Sophea. “I have reinvested the earnings to expand my production and hire additional workers during peak seasons.”

Equipped with three tractors and a keen eye for innovation, Sophea embraces technology to drive cost efficiency. Utilizing a drum seeder, a modern tool that facilites precise seed placement, Sophea exemplifies a progressive approach to traditional farming practices, driving efficiency and minimizing waste.

Despite the progress made, challenges remain in Battambang province, particularly regarding the region’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture. The unpredictable nature of weather conditions can limit farmers to a single crop per year and compelling them to seek alternative income sources to sustain themselves.

Between 2018 and 2022, through a partnership with the International Finance Cooperation (IFC), Mars Food & Nutrition supported 21 agricultural cooperatives in Cambodia. This participation has been instrumental for Sophea, as it ensures a stable market for his rice seeds. By promoting sustainable rice production and enhancing business management performance among farmer cooperatives following the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) Standard for Sustainable Rice Cultivation, these initiatives have enabled farmers to adopt more sustainable practices and improve their overall efficiency and productivity. With ongoing support from Mars and the launch of new projects, both existing and new farmers will cultivate additional varieties of jasmine rice that meet the brand’s quality standards and SRP criteria. This forward-thinking approach empowers farmers to make informed decisions, leveraging market dynamics and diversifying their offerings to meet the needs of a global customer base.

As a true agripreneur, Sophea’s success story serves as an inspiration to the community, showcasing that success in agriculture is possible with dedication, innovation, and collaboration. While challenges remain, Sophea firmly believes that many opportunities exist for those willing to invest effort and dedication in their land. Through his unwavering spirit, Sophea cultivates not only crops but also hope, ensuring a bountiful harvest for generations to come.

If you are an SRP member and would like to submit a farmer experience for our “Perspectives from the Fields” series, please contact Roong Tepkaew at roong.tepkaew@sustainablerice.org. We share these stories on our website, in our newsletter and on our social media channels.

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Survey Details:

• Deadline: 25 October 2024
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