Editorial by JM Soufflet

Two years ago our Group made strong commitments in terms of Sustainable Development, committing strongly for instance to supporting farmers who constitute the first link in all our production chains. This report, which reviews each of our ten commitments, shows that we are not satisfying ourselves with statements of intent.

Not only do the Soufflet Group and its Divisions rigorously adapt to the regulatory framework, which evolves towards greater eco-responsibility requirements, they also try to anticipate these evolutions going beyond the public authorities’ requirements both at the national and community level.

The objectives set during the second Grenelle Environment Forum are somewhat lagging in their implementation phase. Nonetheless, the HVE decree – « High Environmental Value » – which was released in June, establishes a new certification system for French farms. We had prepared for this development and will continue to support the industry as it moves in this direction.

From a more general perspective, our Group is in constant motion, and is more than ever committed to promoting sustainability across all its activities, providing clients with solutions, which meet their current requirements in this field.

Furthermore I would like to comment on the media bashing of the French agro-food industry in March 2011, which included France Nature Environnement’s advertising campaign, the « Black Book of Agriculture », and the unfair special report broadcast by the Arte TV channel. These criticisms are completely out of step with the current situation and the many efforts already made by the industry. To answer these criticisms, it is important to note that our operations are improving at all levels and farmers are making tremendous efforts to balance economic viability of their farms, respect for the environment, and product quality. Our commitments will help in this regard.

To read more, click on this picture