Global Witness NGO says Cargill is buying soybeans from farms in Bolivia linked to deforestation, writes EFE news agency in its latest report.
Since 2017, these farms have cleared more than 20,000 hectares of forest. This area is bigger than Minneapolis in the U.S.
The report from Global Witness looks at five regions in Bolivia managed by Mennonite groups in Santa Cruz.
These regions are part of the Chiquitana forest. This forest is vital for many plant and animal species.
Cargill claims to aim for a sustainable food supply chain. But the study says the company isn’t checking where its Bolivian soybeans come from.
This means they can’t promise their supply chain is clean.
Five colonies have cleared 21,192 hectares, says Global Witness. The report warns that Cargill might buy soybeans from more remote areas.
This could put another three million hectares at risk. This information comes as people grow more aware of the climate crisis.
Forests play a big role in fighting climate change. Veronica Oakeshott from Global Witness questions Cargill’s claims about being sustainable.
Big banks like Barclays and Santander have given money to Cargill. These banks have also promised to cut deforestation.
Global Witness says we need stricter rules to stop money going to companies that harm forests.
Deforestation
Deforestation has long been a global concern. Bolivia’s forests are part of the Amazon basin, a key area for climate stability.
Yet, Bolivia has seen a surge in forest clearing in recent years. This poses a risk to wildlife and contributes to climate change.
Cargill is a major player in the global food market. The company has faced scrutiny before for its environmental impact.
Mennonite communities in Bolivia also have a history of farming. However, the scale of deforestation linked to soy farming is new.
Global Witness is an organization that focuses on environmental and human rights issues. They’ve exposed many cases of environmental degradation.
Their reports often spur debates and lead to calls for action.
With information from EFE