The European Union’s use of soy compliant with the FEFAC Soy Sourcing Guidelines fell to 44% in 2024, down from 54% in 2023, according to the European Soy Monitor 2024 released Aug. 17.
The report found that 14.6 million metric tons of certified soy were sourced in 2024, continuing a multiyear increase. However, the overall soy footprint of the EU27+ grew, resulting in a lower percentage of soy meeting FEFAC sustainability guidelines.
The European Soy Monitor is commissioned by Donau Soja, FEDIOL, FEFAC, IUCN NL, ProTerra Foundation and the Round Table on Responsible Soy Association.
The EU27+ continues to rely primarily on imported soy for animal feed. While sustainability remains on the agenda in several European countries, new European Union legislation has shifted attention from voluntary measures such as certification and landscape investments toward compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation and due diligence requirements.
The report said developments in soy-producing countries also continue to influence markets and sustainability efforts. Global soy production reached 397 million metric tons in 2024, up from 371 million metric tons in 2023. Soy acreage increased 4.4% during the year, while average productivity rose to 2.78 metric tons per hectare from 2.70 metric tons per hectare.
Despite increased production and productivity, the report identified a continuing yield gap in many countries. Agricultural expansion into critical ecosystems also remains a concern, particularly because of the potential effects on biodiversity and climate.
In Brazil, stronger government enforcement was associated with lower deforestation in the Amazon and Cerrado regions in 2024. At the same time, agricultural lobby groups continued to challenge voluntary sustainability measures, including the Amazon Soy Moratorium.
The decline in the share of FEFAC Soy Sourcing Guidelines-compliant soy was attributed primarily to the larger overall soy footprint in 2024, which reached its highest level since 2019. The volume of compliant soy remained high in absolute terms, second only to 2023.
Country-level differences remain significant. Denmark, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, which have commitments to sourcing soy compliant with FEFAC guidelines, continued to outperform countries without similar commitments.
Improved registration of SSAP-certified U.S. soy through export certificates also contributed to increased physical supply chain uptake in southern European countries, including Portugal and Spain.
Countries participating in National Soy Initiatives are working through the European National Soya Initiatives to improve coordination and develop sustainable soy solutions at greater scale.
The report said continued uncertainty surrounding the role of sustainability certification under new EU regulations may have contributed to the decline in the share of compliant soy. It also emphasized the importance of maintaining commitments to sustainable production and ecosystem protection despite geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
The report called for greater cooperation among businesses, civil society, academia and policymakers to strengthen sustainable soy sourcing and protect critical ecosystems while addressing climate and human rights concerns.
The full European Soy Monitor can be read here.
Sources:
European Feed Manufacturers' Federation, "European Soy Monitor 2024 published"
European Feed Manufacturers' Federation, "European Soy Monitor"