The second edition of the Sustainable Trade Summit (SUTRA 2.0) aimed to address the pressing challenges and opportunities in advancing responsible sourcing and sustainable supply chains, particularly in agriculture, textiles, spices and palm oil. At SUTRA 2024, the India Sustainable Palm Oil Manifesto was signed to promote sustainable palm oil sourcing while enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. As India aims to produce 11.20 lakh tonnes of crude palm oil by 2025-26, the manifesto encourages responsible sourcing practices that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
This year’s summit, themed “Accelerating Responsible Sourcing in Indian Markets,” was held by IDH in, Gurugram, Haryana, on October 17-18, 2024, and attracted approximately 400 participants, including industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts.
Launch of the India Sustainable Palm Oil Manifesto
A key highlight of the summit was the launch of the India Sustainable Palm Oil Manifesto. This initiative aims to unite various stakeholders—including the private sector, government, and civil society—around a commitment to sustainable palm oil sourcing. The manifesto outlines specific actions that manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers should undertake to promote the use of Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO).
The actions include:
- To source Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) for all food, feed and oleochemical products containing palm oil or palm oil derivative ingredients. To strengthen the efforts of moving from a virtual supply chain to physical sourcing of CSPO.
- To strengthen the engagement in Landscape/ Jurisdictional Approach to support the governance of CSPO and scale up the positive impact of local initiatives.
- To integrate sustainable production from smallholders at any stage of the palm oil supply chain.
- To strengthen communication on sustainable palm oil, in order to increase awareness amongst consumers and stimulate their support for sustainable palm oil by explaining the need for and benefits of certified sustainable production.
Broader Initiatives and Collaborative Efforts
The summit also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Life and Building Safety (LABS) Initiative and the National Safety Council (NSC). This partnership aims to improve safety standards within the apparel and textile industries, focusing on knowledge sharing and training.
Additionally, a study on the Assam tea sector, conducted by the Women’s Safety Accelerator Fund (WSAF), unveiled the negative impacts of gender-based violence on productivity and revenue. The accompanying handbook targets industry leaders, urging them to address gender biases within their organizations.
Focus on Responsible Sourcing and Collaboration
The summit featured a series of engaging sessions addressing various themes such as regenerative agriculture, innovative financing, and gender-inclusive business models. Notable speakers included H.E. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India; Daan Wensing, Global CEO of IDH; and Sanjeev Asthana, CEO of Patanjali Foods. These experts shared insights aimed at integrating sustainability into business operations and enhancing the resilience of supply chains.
“Agriculture, a means of livelihood for millions, and a cornerstone of our economy and cultural heritage, stands at a critical juncture today. Not only must we contend with climate change, but we must also prioritise social equity. To ensure a sustainable future, we must focus on three pillars: environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social equity. The SUTRA 2.0 summit on responsible sourcing in India is a crucial platform that will foster important dialogue and unlock pathways to ensure that we empower our farmers while protecting our natural resources.”
Daan Wensing highlighted the importance of aligning agricultural practices with sustainability and social equity. He noted, “India’s role as a major producer and consumer demands that we ensure agricultural practices benefit smallholder farmers and their communities.” The summit emphasized the need for pre-competitive collaboration among stakeholders to drive sustainable trade forward.
Commitment to Action and Future Goals
As the summit concluded, participants expressed a commitment to translating discussions into actionable steps for businesses, governments, and civil society. IDH plans to expand the SUTRA ecosystem by fostering new partnerships and projects that promote responsible sourcing practices across global value chains.
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The summit also reiterated the urgent need for collaborative efforts to strengthen responsible palm oil production. The manifesto underscores the necessity for all stakeholders to assume their roles in achieving sustainable socio-economic development while protecting the environment.
IDH’s Palm Oil program aims to support traceable and sustainable palm oil production through partnerships with local and international stakeholders. The organization seeks to improve smallholder income and enhance governance across the supply chain, ultimately fostering a more sustainable palm oil market.
The SUTRA Summit continues to evolve as a vital platform for addressing the strategic imperatives of responsible sourcing. By facilitating cross-sectoral collaboration and sharing best practices, the summit aims to systematically meet and exceed responsible sourcing targets in the coming years.