1. Tell us about your company, your mission, and why sustainability is important for you?

Orillion is a New Zealand based, government owned company that specializes in developing solutions to control pests. Orillion has over 60 years’ experience in developing innovative products to control many types of vertebrate pests. These products are used to protect the environment, crops and livelihoods throughout New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific, Asia as well as for over 200 island rodent eradication projects.

Many animals introduced to New Zealand predate on native species and destroy environmental biodiversity. Orillion’s mission has been to develop the tools to manage the environment sustainably and, in some areas, achieve eradication. Orillion also exports these proven and effective products, the result of decades of research and development.

Rodent control is a major focus, and conventional rodenticides are produced for sale domestically and internationally. Orillion now has the global rights to an environmentally safe and sustainable rodenticide which is specific to Rattus species. This product is completely safe for all other animals and birds, through either primary or secondary intake. For rats, the product is humane and very fast acting. It is delivered as a cereal based bait which is palatable to rice rats.

Orillion’s ambition is to make this exciting and transformational technology available to those who will benefit most. Controlling rats and enabling sustainable rice production, with no crop or soil contamination, and improved crop yields provides a significant benefit for farmers. Reversing the typical 5% – 20% yield loss caused by rats, will provide farmers a meaningful economic and social benefit. The safe nature of the selective rat bait for rice crop production will deliver opportunities for both existing and new rice markets. Orillion manufactures products under exacting standards and controls using Good Manufacturing Practice, Health and Safety systems, and alignment of the company’s activities with the UN Development goals. See www.orillion.com.

2. Tell us about your experience as an SRP member. When and why did you decide to join SRP?

Orillion is just beginning a journey with SRP, with an objective of linking up with organizations that share our vision for application of our new selective rodenticide. Rats are a major cause of lost rice yield and traditional rodenticides have many drawbacks. Members of SRP join with an aim of improving sustainable rice production and improving the prosperity of farmers.

3. What opportunities do you see for your company and your value chain stakeholders by being part of the SRP membership?

Orillion would like to understand more about the challenges of rice cultivation and to demonstrate our rat control technology to other SRP members. Product registration and developing manufacturing at commercial scale will take up to three years. During this period Orillion plans to engage with the industry and demonstrate product efficacy on farm.

4. Tell us about your initiatives/projects related to SRP and your involvement with SRP.

Our rat control technology has been trialed for proof of concept in rice crops in Vietnam. In 1- and 2-hectare field trials 95% and 89% efficacy (rat kill) was achieved. We would like to work with SRP members to expand trials in other areas with a view to registering the product in multiple Asian countries.

5. Have there been challenges implementing SRP in your company? If so, what challenges have you faced?

Our journey to develop a rat selective product has involved laboratory and field trials in Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. We have been fortunate to receive unwavering support from companies and government departments to reach the point of having an effective field-tested product.

8. What is your vision for 2025?

We would like to see landscape scale rat control delivering significant improvements in rice yield to better support rural communities in a safe and sustainable way.

Find out more about Orillion: www.orillion.com

2. Tell us about your experience as an SRP member. When and why did you decide to join SRP?

As part of our dedication to make sustainable rice production a priority for our organization, we joined SRP in 2019. A crucial component of our larger sustainability aim is our SRP membership and implementing the SRP Standard and other tools at farm level. Atlas Foods, being a top exporter of rice from Pakistan, has experienced significant benefits and impact.

Through our membership, Atlas Foods has gained access to valuable resources, knowledge, and best practices in sustainable rice production. We have collaborated with stakeholders, including farmers, to promote sustainable practices and improve the environmental and social aspects of rice cultivation.

The SRP verification has provided us with a competitive edge in the international market, attracting environmentally conscious buyers. Atlas Foods’ involvement in SRP has also enhanced supply chain transparency and traceability. Overall, our membership has enabled us to contribute to the development of sustainable rice production in Pakistan while strengthening our reputation as a sustainable rice supplier.

3. What opportunities do you see for your company and your value chain stakeholders by being part of the SRP membership?

Being part of the SRP membership offers several opportunities for Atlas Foods and its value chain stakeholders. These opportunities include:

Access to Knowledge and Best Practices: As an SRP member, Atlas Foods gains access to a wealth of knowledge, research findings, and best practices related to sustainable rice production. This information helps us to enhance our own operations and improve sustainability throughout our value chain.

Collaboration and Partnerships: SRP provides a platform for collaboration among various stakeholders, including farmers, government agencies, NGOs, and researchers. This collaboration allows Atlas Foods to work closely with these partners to develop and implement sustainable practices, exchange ideas, and jointly tackle challenges in the rice industry.

Market Recognition and Access: SRP verification is globally recognized as a mark of sustainable production. By being an SRP member, Atlas Foods can obtain this verification, which provides us with a competitive advantage in the market. It attracts environmentally conscious buyers and opens up opportunities to access new markets and expand our customer base.

Supply Chain Transparency and Traceability: The SRP membership encourages and facilitates supply chain transparency and traceability. By adhering to SRP guidelines and monitoring systems, Atlas Foods can ensure the traceability and sustainability of our rice production. This transparency helps build trust among customers and stakeholders and enhances our reputation as a responsible and sustainable rice supplier.

Capacity Building and Farmer Empowerment: The SRP membership offers opportunities for capacity building and farmer empowerment. Atlas Foods can participate in training programs and knowledge transfer activities to educate and empower farmers in sustainable practices. By supporting farmers in adopting these practices, Atlas Foods contributes to the long-term sustainability of the entire value chain while improving the socio-economic conditions of farmers.

Influence and Policy Advocacy: As an SRP member, Atlas Foods can contribute to the development of sustainable rice production standards and guidelines. They have the opportunity to influence policies and advocate for sustainable practices in the rice industry, both at a local and global level. This involvement helps shape the industry towards greater sustainability and responsible practices.

In summary, the SRP membership offers Atlas Foods and its value chain stakeholders opportunities to access knowledge, collaborate with partners, gain market recognition, ensure supply chain transparency, empower farmers, and influence industry policies. These opportunities contribute to their growth, competitiveness, and the overall sustainability of the rice sector.

4. Tell us about your initiatives/projects related to SRP and your involvement with SRP.

Atlas Foods has continuously been working to assist in implementing the SRP Standard and other tools during the last four years. As for the activities, we start by assisting with laser levelling the land by paying farmers 50% of the expenses for the laser levelling, providing them with certified seeds and AWD tubes on a cost-to-cost basis. These initiatives help to increase yields and conserve water and soil. The farmer is then regularly visited during the crop cycle and given timely farm advisory on the efficient use of inputs, land preparation, and other agronomic practices by our agriculture expert team.

5. Have there been challenges implementing SRP in your company? If so, what challenges have you faced?

As a company committed to sustainability, Atlas Foods took up the challenge of implementing the SRP Standard but encountered various obstacles during the process.

Farmer Engagement: One of the primary challenges was getting farmers to adopt sustainable practices. Many farmers were accustomed to traditional methods and were hesitant to change their practices. Atlas Foods invested time and resources in educating farmers about the benefits of sustainable farming, including increased productivity, reduced environmental impact, and access to premium markets. Building trust and strong relationships with farmers was crucial in facilitating their willingness to adopt new techniques.

Access to Resources: Implementing sustainable practices often required investments in technology, equipment, and infrastructure. Many small-scale farmers, particularly in developing regions, lacked access to these resources. Atlas Foods faced challenges in providing farmers with the necessary tools and resources to implement sustainable farming practices, including affordability, availability, and logistics.

Knowledge and Training: Another challenge was providing adequate training and knowledge transfer to farmers. Sustainable farming techniques required farmers to learn new skills and practices, such as integrated pest management, water management, and soil conservation. Atlas Foods developed comprehensive training programs and provided ongoing support to ensure that farmers could effectively adopt and implement sustainable practices.

Verification and Compliance: SRP required adherence to specific sustainability standards and verification processes. Atlas Foods had to ensure that all farmers in our supply chain met these requirements. However, ensuring compliance across a diverse network of farmers was challenging. Atlas Foods invested in monitoring systems, audits, and verification processes to track and verify sustainable practices, which were resource-intensive.

Market Demand and Premium Pricing: Sustainable rice often commanded a premium in the market due to the additional costs associated with sustainable practices. Atlas Foods faced challenges in convincing consumers to pay higher prices for sustainable rice and in securing market demand for their products. This required effective communication and marketing strategies to raise awareness about the value of sustainable rice and its positive impact on the environment and local communities.

Scaling Up and Collaboration: Implementing the SRP Standard across a large-scale operation required collaboration with various stakeholders, including farmers, suppliers, and local communities. Atlas Foods had to establish partnerships and build a network of stakeholders to effectively scale up our sustainable rice production. This involved addressing coordination challenges, aligning incentives, and fostering collaboration among different actors in the rice value chain.

Despite these challenges, the implementation of the SRP Standard by Atlas Foods offered significant opportunities for the company to differentiate ourselves in the market, enhance our sustainability credentials, and contribute to the overall sustainability of the rice industry. By addressing these challenges through strategic planning, investment, and effective stakeholder engagement, Atlas Foods paved the way for a more sustainable future in rice production.

8. What is your vision for 2025?

By 2025, Atlas Foods envisions becoming a global leader in sustainable rice production, contributing to food security and environmental sustainability. With a focus on supply chain traceability and transparency, collaborative partnerships, and the adoption of innovative technologies, Atlas Foods aims to inspire the industry and create a future where sustainable rice production is the norm, fostering a resilient and sustainable global food system.

Find out more about Atlas Foods (Pvt) Ltd:

Website: www.atlasfoods.org

1. Tell us about your company, your mission, and why sustainability is important for you?

LT Foods is a 70-year-old consumer foods company that is a leading player in the specialty rice and rice products business across the globe, delivering the finest quality and taste experience in more than 60 countries. The company has an integrated “Farm to Fork” approach from farmer engagement to well-entrenched distribution network with global supply chain hubs.

We are committed to nurturing goodness for people, community and the planet. We constantly strive to take measures to ensure sustainability in all our processes and systems in line with our ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) goals.

We are also to ensuring adoption of SRP objectives throughout our rice value chain while being specially focused on making a positive impact on the lives of our farming partners and the communities in which we are present. We believe that sustainability should be at the core of all practices and the rice that we process, our brands and other products should reflect this commitment.

2. Tell us about your experience as an SRP member. When and why did you decide to join SRP?

LT Foods has been able to implement SRP standards on farmers’ fields under our specialized farmer outreach program. Switching to SRP practices has resulted in increase in farm incomes and a reduction in water, chemicals and fertilizer usage. These practices also have had positive impact on environment and social aspects.

LT Foods officially joined SRP as member in 2017. We were already working with farmers and guiding them on sustainable agriculture practices with the objective of farmers benefits and natural resource conservation. SRP objectives are also serving to promote our company core values which is the reason we are closely aligned with SRP.

3. What opportunities do you see for your company and your value chain stakeholders by being part of the SRP membership?

Sustainability is important right from the farmer’s field to the end consumer. SRP will help us to verify and reaffirm whether our produce is grown sustainably or not. SRP-Verified production helps in generating trust among consumers of our brands.

4. Tell us about your initiatives/projects related to SRP and your involvement with SRP.

LT Foods runs an SRP program in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (India) directly with its own trained manpower. It involves a comprehensive farmer engagement, encompassing, physical, digital and mechanical initiatives to promote sustainability at the farm level.

In 2020, LT Foods became the first company in the world to become Level 3 verified under the SRP Assurance Scheme.

Through specialized initiatives undertaken by LT Foods, SRP standards were implemented in selected districts of Haryana India to improve water use and productivity per drop. The role of LT Foods was to effectively introduce the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standards with a specific focus on water efficiency techniques. The project duration was 2019-2022.

5. Have there been challenges implementing SRP in your company? If so, what challenges have you faced?

LT Foods has already been working with farmers on sustainable agriculture, so that a lot of the practices were already in place – even prior to our adoption of SRP.

With the introduction of SRP, we have become even more focused on water saving techniques like alternate wetting and drying (AWD). We faced challenges in implementation in the initial stages as farmers were used to flood irrigation and it took time for them to understand and adapt to new practices.

8. What is your vision for 2025?

We would like to see in next few years more and more rice products being verifiably sustainably grown.

Find out more about LT Foods Limited:

Website: www.ltgroup.in

1. Tell us a little bit about your company.

Flying Trade India Private Limited is the India operation of leading UK food importer Surya Foods. Surya Foods is among the largest importers of rice into the UK market and is behind Laila basmati, the UK’s No. 1 dry rice brand. ¹

2. When and why did you decide to join SRP?

We joined the SRP platform in 2021 as part of our commitment to make sustainability a corporate priority for our business. Our SRP membership is an important part of our broader sustainability mission.

Rice is the main crop we source and sell and we are passionate about doing the right thing by our farmers and the land from which we source our produce.

There is no getting around it, rice is a significant contributor of global carbon emissions. A recent detailed life cycle analysis of our business revealed, on average, over 5kg of CO2e is generated for every 1kg of rice we produce. These reports have helped us better understand our emissions hot-spots and our industry’s specific impact on climate change.  We are now committed to taking care of our corner.
Unsustainable rice production contributes to climate change, threatens global food security and entails poor living standards for farmers. It is in all our interest to be part of the solution.

We are committed to improving our supply chain across the board and believe the SRP standard provides the best set of tools to achieve this.

It is essential that we manage our business operations in an environmentally responsible manner at all levels, from our procurement facilities to our packaging and distribution networks. We are fully aware of the environmental risks facing the rice industry, from climate change and resourcing challenges to the intricacies of supply chain and are committed to playing our part in safeguarding this vital crop. It’s a long road, however, we are now personally committed to making change happen.

3. Tell us about the specific reasons, trends and developments, or challenges and opportunities you are trying to solve/seize by joining SRP?

Two key challenges inspired us to adopt the SRP Standard. The first is curbing our personal contribution towards global warming and environmental harms. With the support of SRP knowledge and resources we intend to empower our associated farmers to make conscious decisions for seed, pesticide, water and insecticide use.

The second priority is for us is to enhance economic gains for the farmers which is a key consideration in the SRP verification journey.

4. Tell us about the process and activities of implementing SRP in your organization. 

SRP program implementation was a significant journey for us involving several key initiatives at ground level.

1. We brought together an Agri Support Team to guide the farmers for the implementation of the SRP principles.
2. We conducted group sessions with the farmers to create awareness about sustainable farming practices using SRP resources.
3. AWD pipes were provided to aid in water management to the farmers.
4. First Aid kits and PPE kits were provided to the farmers.
5. Our Agri Support Team conducted regular visits to the farms through the farming process from seeding till harvesting to guide the farmers, offer support and share knowledge.
6. We created awareness around inclusivity to build the morale of the farmers and also conducted a tree plantation drive around the farms.

5. Tell us about the future. What is your company’s vision and ambition for the sustainable development of the rice industry and how could SRP be instrumental to achieving this ambition?

In 2022 FTG India Ltd sourced 6000 tonnes of SRP-Verified rice for Surya Foods. Annually Surya Foods imports around 80k tonnes of rice into the UK, so that represents just under 10 per cent of annual supply. By 2030 our target is to purchase only from certified sustainable agriculture sources. It is important that we implement these changes gradually, however, to allow farmers to build towards better practices – this is in line with SRP values. This is about helping provide education and tools to enable us to bring our farmers on this journey – rather than threatening livelihoods by taking a cliff-edge approach.

8. What is your vision for 2025?

By 2025 we aim to be the leading supplier and aggregator of SRP-Verified rice in the UK.

1. Tell us about your organization, your mission, and why sustainability is important for you?

Preferred by Nature is a non-profit organization working to support better land management and business practices that benefit people, nature and the climate. We do this through a unique combination of programs that promote awareness-raising, capacity-building, and sustainability certification services.

The last twenty-seven years, we have been working with various stakeholders in a range of industries from forestry, and agriculture to tourism. Today, our team is working with farmers, landowners, NGOs and businesses in more than 100 countries. As sustainability is at the heart of our mission, we focus on practical ways to make the world a better place. We will continue to build on this for years to come.

2. Tell us about your experience as an SRP member. When and why did you decide to join SRP?

Preferred by Nature officially joined SRP as a member in December 2019 to help make the rice sector more sustainable.

When we first started working in the 1990s, we were a relatively small organization with broad goals. We gave thought to how we, as an organization, could have an impact. We have been conducting audits on management practices in agriculture, forestry, and other sectors, as well as outlining what kinds of commodities and crops have a substantial impact on the climate.

When we first learned that rice accounted for 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it came as a surprise to us. As a result, growing up in the Western world raised the question of whether the rice we eat is sustainable.

Therefore, we were looking for organizations and institutions that could assist us in achieving the goal of transforming the rice sector. SRP then came into the picture to help smallholder rice farmers have more stable livelihoods and access to food while also helping them to grow rice with minimal adverse climate effects.

Hence, in September 2020, when SPR launched its Assurance Scheme, Preferred by Nature became the first organization in the world to be recognized as a Verification Body for farms under this scheme. In this new role, we are coming to rice fields, committed to SRP guidelines on cultivation, to help verify their practices as an independent third party.

3. What opportunities do you see for your organization and your value chain stakeholders by being part of the SRP membership?

SRP is an effective system that helps us achieve our goals while also helping them achieve theirs. This is mutually beneficial for both organizations.

The purpose of the collaboration with SRP is to make the rice sector more sustainable and to find ways to help farmers manage their rice fields better.

Through training, knowledge, and capacity building, farmers and other stakeholders may be persuaded to embrace improved management practices rather than stick to conventional farming methods. The use of alternatives such as mixed-cropping, carbon funds, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions could all serve as sources of carbon credits. These can be purchased by others who want to support it globally, providing the farmers with additional income. With the SRP initiative, all of these are possible.

4. Tell us about your initiatives/projects related to SRP and your involvement with SRP.

In Indonesia, we are currently implementing a project called Low Carbon Rice, which aims to reduce the climate footprint and improve the sustainability of all agri-food systems. In this project, we are emphasizing on training, capacity building, and increasing awareness of rice millers, relevant actors, and stakeholders on sustainable rice practices.

The European Space Agency also funded a unique project that is being carried out in Vietnam. The initiative is based on an approach called “Green Prosperity,” which improves the ability of local communities to protect their natural resource base and cut emissions while laying the groundwork for sustainable livelihoods and fair economic growth. The project makes use of satellite images to monitor the moisture in the rice fields and examine field-based real-time data. Practicing alternate wetting and drying is one of the most important methods to reduce methane emissions from paddy fields. Satellite data can be used to monitor this.

5. Have there been challenges implementing SRP in your organization? If so, what challenges have you faced?

We are working with several schemes that have been around for many years. We started working with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) back in 1996. We have therefore had a lot of experience in what is working and not working within sustainability certification schemes.

The SRP scheme is, comparatively, in the early stages of development and still has room for improvement with both the requirements for farmers and for assurance service providers.

We are pretty new within the rice sector, but we know a lot about different certification schemes – what is working well and not; and where the risks are involved in it. We can use this knowledge to help SRP improve their schemes.

Preferred by Nature has been officially approved to be recognized as a Verification Body for farms and Chain of Custody (CoC) under the SRP Standard and Assurance Scheme.

8. What is your vision for 2025?

I would really like to see the world within the next few years to ensure that the rice sector gets the attention it deserves. 

Rice farmers and consumers are aware of the large-scale sustainability issues related to the traditional farming of rice. The public and private sectors are working closely together to implement more sustainable management practices.  When you look at this global picture of greenhouse gas emission pollution problems and so on, that is to establish strong drivers by changing management practices. For example, a method for quickly converting rice straws into other uses has been discovered, the most promising of which is to use them as a fossil fuel replacement. And by selling some of the stuff, we can use the problem within the rice sector to solve a problem within the fuel sector.

Find out more about Preferred by Nature and their activities:

Website: https://preferredbynature.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preferredbynature/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1787752/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/preferredbynature

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PreferbyNature

1. Tell us about your organization, your mission, and why sustainability is important for you?

Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation Pakistan is a Swiss INGO working in Pakistan since 1982. Helvetas’ mission is to help disadvantaged men, women, and communities through inclusive programs across a range of critical thematic areas like climate change and agriculture.

Helvetas is concerned about a brighter future for these communities and hence a focus on sustainable development is a core value. Sustainability allows us to inculcate in communities’ capacities that help them develop resilience against economic shocks and lead dignified lives. Some of our key areas of intervention are sustainable agriculture and climate change. Given today’s context these are areas that directly impact people’s lives. The poorest more than anybody else. We strive to develop sustainable systems for the poor to flourish in the face of adverse events.

Our vision for the future is to build strong and resilient communities that can flourish and support themselves.

2. Tell us about your experience as an SRP member. When and why did you decide to join SRP?

Being a member of the SRP is a privilege. Helvetas joined the SRP because of a shared vision and mission to promote sustainability in the rice sector. Helvetas had been working on water productivity in the rice value chain. SRP standards formed a key part of the strategy to improve water productivity in Pakistan’s rice sector hence the membership was a natural step. The relationship with SRP has been very conducive. Our vison and agendas for a sustainable future for rice are aligned and that helps us work together in furthering them. Our aligned objectives help us compliment efforts that we make towards our goals. The membership is not only a network but also a support system helping us advocate sustainability in the rice sector in context of improving farmers incomes, promoting resource efficiency, and building resilience against climate change.

3. What opportunities do you see for your organization and your value chain stakeholders by being part of the SRP membership?

The SRP is a diverse forum brining together multiple stakeholders that can benefit from each other. SRP membership allows us to access knowledge networks and explore partnerships through which we can promote our sustainability agenda for the rice sector. Being an SRP member gives us the opportunity to connect local rice value chain stakeholders with international stakeholders for experience sharing, knowledge exchange and forging partnerships.

SRP gives us credibility and authenticity in taking forward our vision for a sustainable rice sector. The SRP platform provides immense opportunities for local private sector players in the rice value chain to network and explore sustainable business opportunities in international markets and benefit from international expertise. The SRP platform allows for multistakeholder partnerships to flourish and in context of Pakistan we aim to bridge the gap between the public sector policy landscape and private sector requirements through this forum.

4. Tell us about your initiatives/projects related to SRP and your involvement with SRP.

The Water Productivity project funded by the SDC is being implemented in Pakistan since 2015. SRP standards form a key component of our sustainability approach for the project. Apart from this we have been working on improving decent working conditions for female transplanting labor on rice farms as well as developing GHG reduction strategies from rice fields. SRP is not directly involved in these initiatives, but they are a valuable support partner.

5. Have there been challenges implementing SRP in your organization? If so, what challenges have you faced?

We are not directly involved in implementing SRP. Our private sector partners (rice millers) implement the standard with their contract farmers. Helvetas is more involved in policy influencing and advocacy to create an enabling environment for the adoption and scaleup of the SRP standards. Helvetas is also establishing an SRP National Chapter in Pakistan which will be dedicated to promoting SRP standards through increasing local membership, policy advocacy and projects in partnership with international organizations with the support of SRP Secretariat.

6. Tell us about the future. What are your organization’s vision and ambition for the sustainable development of the rice sector, and how could SRP help you achieve this ambition?

Rice is one of Pakistan’s major crops. It is the second staple after wheat and an important export commodity. Pakistan is among the top 3 rice producers and exporters of the world. Sustainable rice production in the context of climate change, food security, resource efficiency and farmer livelihoods has therefore become even more important. Helvetas is dedicated to promoting sustainable rice production system in Pakistan. Helvetas is cultivating public, private, and academic partnerships both locally and internationally to promote sustainability in the rice sector. SRP is critical in helping us developing these partnerships. With SRP’s support in establishing the National Chapter for Pakistan we aim to scale up our efforts to include all players from the farm to plate in promoting a sustainable rice sector in Pakistan.

7. From your point of view, why should more companies and industry actors join SRP? Do you have any advice or recommendations for them?

SRP provides immense value for all its members in terms of mentoring, networking, and tapping national/international opportunities. SRP membership gives credibility to companies’ sustainability commitments. Not only that, SRP also provides direction to businesses wanting to adopt sustainable business practices. It is a platform local industry partners can use to channel their efforts towards sustainability. SRP membership builds consumer trust and confidence in a business’s efforts in transforming for the better. SRP membership for local organizations is also important for building an international repute if they intend to explore foreign markets.

8. What is your vision for 2025?

Individuals and businesses will have to make sustainable choices if they are to survive in the future. Sustainable has become synonymous to survival.

1. Tell us about your company, including when and why you decided to join SRP.

Amiha is one of the most established agricultural organizations in India where we have been a leading facilitator for sustainable rice, cotton, turmeric and wheat since 1997. Our work is not restricted to supply chains and markets but covers every aspect; we have success stories demonstrating the trust we have built up and our credibility. As a certified specialist, our “Soil-to-Sale” business approach features up-to-date interpretation while retaining inherent natural characteristics.

For example, with over 25 years’ experience in backward and forward integration for sustainable cotton we follow the “Fashion-to-Farm” model, that is from production to consumer. We have initiated a responsible, traceable and transparent chain of custody with internationally-renowned certification bodies to cater for a business model which serves each and every stakeholder in the chain. Some of our prestigious clients are best-selling brands such as Inditex, and H&M.

It is SRP’s mission to catalyze transformation of the global rice sector and buyers’ ability to rely on the SRP Standard for sustainable rice that compelled us to join SRP. Working with us, farmers receive the benefits of the SRP Platform and consumers receive quality assurance.

2. Tell us about the specific reasons, trends and developments, opportunities or challenges you are trying to seize/solve by joining SRP (or how you solved them).

By joining SRP, we are able to fulfil our need for a comprehensive rice strategy and focus on developments and opportunities provided by:

1. The multi-stakeholder platform originally co‐convened by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ).
2. Supply chains in the global rice sector.
3. Large flows of bulk trade.
4. Sustainable production standards and outreach mechanisms that contribute to an increase of the global supply of affordable rice, the improved livelihoods of rice producers and a reduction of the environmental impact of rice production.
5. The platform (SRP) which comprises of members from governments, governmental bodies, research institutes, NGOs and private sector participants.

We in turn develop skilled manpower under SRP guidelines using the Cascading Methodology, creating a human resource chain with the commitment to contribute and use the best practices.

3. Tell us about the process and activities involved with implementing the SRP tools/system in your organization and if it was straightforward or not.

SRP is easy and friendly to connect with, and implementation was straightforward. SRP has an advisory committee that gives valuable guidance on developing strategy and working groups that focus on implementation, and ensures its platform achieves its goals in compliance with UN rules and regulations.

We have in place:

1. Master Trainers – Certified and experienced professionals who go above and beyond to ensure a positive learning experience for each person at ground level, and who share their knowledge with the broader community.
2. In-House Capacity Development – We believe in improvement of an individual’s or organization’s capability to produce, perform or deploy and we train farmers to cultivate to the best of their capacity.
3. Cascading Methodology – The Master Trainers share their knowledge with groups of farmers and other people associated with the farming system, and those groups then go share their knowledge and ideas with new groups. This process continues, hence multiple people are being trained quickly using this methodology.

Furthermore, we are using “Baseline”, “POP Farming” and “Bottom-to-Top Standard” techniques as part of our process.

4. Tell us about the future. What is your company’s vision and ambition for sustainable development of the rice industry, and how could SRP be instrumental in achieving those?

At Amiha, we envision a community of farmers who are committed to establishing, nurturing and developing a sustainable, fair and transparent agriculture business model that not only improves the livelihoods of members of the community but also contributes toward economic growth and social development.

Our mission is to provide appropriate platforms for the farmers’ community to carry out sustainable and traceable “Soil-to-Sale” agricultural trade through awareness creation, capacity building and hands-on support.

SRP offers a two-stream approach to transform the market globally by working with agencies to develop public policy and by supporting voluntary initiatives.

5. Any recommendations on why more companies and industry actors should join SRP, plus tips or advice on lessons learned? 

SRP provides valuable guidance on strategy, ensures its platform achieves its goals in compliance with UN rules and regulations, and has working groups that focus on implementing plans. Hence, to implement a comprehensive approach for sustainable agriculture it’s advisable for rice producers and rice traders to join SRP.

More advocacy is needed on a wider scale to expand the demand for sustainable products in the marketplace, and SRP is a good platform for achieving that.

6. What is your vision for 2025?

By 2025 we aim to achieve 50% of the SDG targets and to have also boosted our international trade of rice. We are also committed to restoring the purity of our environment through organic, regenerative and sustainable agriculture.

1. Tell us about your company, and when and why you decided to join SRP.

Netafim is a global leader in micro irrigation solutions for various crops such as rice. Rice is an important staple food that is forecasted to feed almost 10 billion mouths by 2050 but utilizing a limited level of available resources such as water, land and labor. With our goal to enhance more efficient use of water, nutrients and other variables for rice cultivation and to minimize rice production costs by the saving of labor, Netafim has been developing solutions for sustainable rice cultivation using drip irrigation technology. In the past five years, various trials have been conducted all over the world in cooperation with different agricultural institutions and the technology has been disseminated to rice growers. Netafim decided to join SRP to work with other SRP members who strive towards sustainable agriculture and may be interested in this technology.

1. Tell us about your company. When and why did you decide to join SRP?

From the beginning Rice Exchange was excited to be part of the sustainable rice movement. We are acutely aware of the need for rice to be grown in a sustainable way so that it can continue to feed billions of people around the world. We know that buyers want confidence that rice labeled SRP-Verified is the genuine product – our blockchain-enabled platform with its immutable audit trail gives buyers the certainty they require.  

2. Tell us about the specific reasons, trends & developments or challenges and opportunities you are trying to solve / seize by joining SRP (or how you solved them).

Having successfully connected buyers and sellers of rice from over 45 countries we are now focusing on meeting the demand for SRP-Verified rice that exists on the Rice Exchange trading platform.

3. Tell us about the process and activities implementing SRP in your organization.

We love telling the SRP story to buyers on the platform and this has generated a lot of interest. Control Union, an approved SRP Verification Body, is fully integrated with Rice Exchange. So, when a buyer requests the Verification Statement issued to a SRP supplier, Control Union can upload it onto the platform as part of the bundle of trade documents.  

4. Tell us about the future. What is your company’s vision and ambition for the sustainable development of the rice industry and how could SRP be instrumental to achieve this ambition? 

We hope to incentivize suppliers on Rice Exchange to adopt sustainable rice growing practices by informing them about the growing market for sustainable rice. On another front we are reducing losses in the rice trade from wet damage during seaborne transportation by lining containers with Kraft paper and adding dry bags. Buyers who wish to access top-class insurance cover on the platform must follow the Rice Exchange moisture prevention programme which is overseen by the inspection companies that are integrated onto the platform (Control Union, Cotecna, Intertek and ISC).  

5. Any recommendations why more companies and industry actors should consider joining SRP?

We urge rice farmers to adopt the SRP Standard as it is clearly the way forward. There is growing consumer awareness of sustainable rice and more SRP-Verified rice is required to meet this demand. 

6. Your quote, or vision for 2025?

By 2025 we hope to be the main marketplace for the international trade of SRP-Verified rice.

Frank Gouverne will also be one of the speakers at SRP’s upcoming webinar “How to meet the growing global demand for sustainable rice?” on 5 April 2022. Click here for more details.

1. Tell us about your company. When and why did you decided to join SRP?

Westmill is one of the largest importers of rice for the UK, with one of the key regions we source from being Pakistan for our basmati rice. Pakistan is predicted to be chronically short of water by 2025, and therefore, we felt that being involved with SRP was the best way to help us manage our supply chain impact in Pakistan from a social and environmental perspective, through the SRP Standard.

2. Tell us about the specific reasons and challenges you are trying to solve by joining SRP (or how you solved them)

Rice is an important crop to focus on due to:

• GHG emissions produced
• High rates of water consumption
• Some of the world’s poorest farmers are rice farmers.
• The rice crop can be variable in quality, so providing the farmers with access to certified seed, which previously they would not have been able to access will help to improve this.
• Low productivity for the farmer, which has previously resulted in lower income.
• It is important for farmers to adopt modern technologies to help them progress with their farming to help them produce higher yields, and consequently earn a better living.
• Water scarcity, crop quality and consistency (issues).
• Education around water, availability of machinery to use water more efficiently (AWD, laser levelling)

3. Tell us about the process and activities implementing SRP in your organization.

For Westmill we have partnered with our long-term supplier in country called Galaxy to help shape a program to implement SRP over the last 4 years. In terms of activities, we start with helping in laser levelling the field and subsidize farmers 50% of the cost of laser levelling. We also supply them with certified seed on a cost-to-cost basis as well as AWD tubes. These form the bedrock of the activities that go towards saving water and improving yields. Then, throughout the crop calendar regular visits are made to the farmer with timely advice on best inputs, soil health and other optimum agronomic practices.

4. Tell us about the future. What is your company’s vision and ambition for sustainable development of the rice industry and how could SRP be instrumental to achieve this ambition?

Currently our project is just focused on Pakistan, we would like to extend our reach to Thailand, where there is already a large SRP presence.

5. Any recommendations for companies and industry actors considering joining SRP?

The industry needs to gain a better understanding of the impacts rice farming has on the environment – which if more people get involved with SRP is possible. Plus, the SRP Standard takes into consideration multiple sustainability focus areas (water, human rights and environment).

Further, if you want to do a fulfilling project, you need be aware that it will take time, but it will be worth it in the end.

6. Your quote, or vision for 2025?

Our vision for 2025 is to source at least 50% of our rice from SRP certified farmers.