Commodity chain : Soybean

Background History of the Commodity Chain

Nutrition & Nature, located in Revel (Haute Garonne), manufactures and sells biological food mainly based on soybean since 1982.

Ever since the origin, we have used French soybean seeds and have created ever closer partnerships with our suppliers of seeds. In 1994, these partnerships resulted in the creation of a regional association with the regional storage organisations.

At a time when reassuring consumers on the origin and the quality of food becomes more important than ever before, we wished to highlight our commitment on sustainable development for a regional soybean chain in our communication.

The Bio Solidaire approach appeared to us as the most coherent and the most relevant for a better communication on our commitment to clients and consumers.

Description of the partnership

As soon as 1996, SOJADOC was created by the storage organisations and Nutrition & Soja, to structure the partnership which had started in 1982 with local producers. The partnership has allowed for the implementation of several seed quality improvement programs (real life tests of new varieties, research on the factors influencing output, ...). It also allowed for the financing of investments by the storage organisations (protein scanners, handling equipment allowing for a reduction in seed damage,...) and for a cooperation in writing specifications, now in their 15th version.

This geographical proximity and this will to partner also allowed for the implementation, in 1998, of what has now become the first soybean chain to be guaranteed not genetically modified in Europe. The chain is controlled on a yearly basis by an independent organisation.

Partners

AgriBio Union in Salvagnac (81), AGP in Condom (32), SOJADOC in Revel (31) and Nutrition & Nature in Revel (31)

Internal Commitment of some of the partners for a sustainable production

The commitment of the various actors of the commodity chain with regards to production and transformation of biological products ever since their creation, in the early 80's, is in itself a strong sign of a commitment towards sustainable production methods. This commitment extends to various improvement approaches, on a continuous basis, ranging from buildings built to HQE standards to the installation of photovoltaic panels or to ISO 14001 certifications, either running or confirmed.

Companies engaged in this Commodity Chain

NUTRITION & NATURE