Cargill says it’s the first stevia supplier to have entire grower network benchmarked to Farm Sustainability Assessment

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Cargill (Minneapolis) says it’s become the first stevia supplier to have its entire grower network benchmarked by SAI Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) 3.0. The benchmark was achieved for Cargill’s Truvia and ViaTech stevia leaf extract lines.

The SAI Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) 3.0 is global benchmark reference for sustainable farming and sourcing practices. FSA enables companies to assess their sustainability practices and to audit practices on 11 sustainability measures, including labor conditions, water management, air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving the Silver Level FSA benchmark for Cargill’s stevia sustainability program involved a one-year validation process.

“Earning a Silver Level Equivalency is regarded by many brands as a key measure for sustainable sourcing,” said James Ede, sustainability lead for Cargill’s sweeteners and starches business, in a press release. “It’s a comprehensive process that ensures Cargill’s world-class sustainability program and grower network benchmark to the rigorous SAI Platform FSA standard around sustainable production and ethical sourcing across our stevia supply chain.”

The press release adds: “Now, with the FSA Silver Level benchmark, food and beverage manufacturers are assured that Cargill’s stevia sustainability program has been evaluated by one of the industry’s most recognized sustainability assessment initiatives.”