FAO and Preferred by Nature spearhead standardised geolocation data protocol for transparent supply chains

In the framework of the Forest Data Partnership, aiming to halt and reverse forest loss from commodity production by improving global monitoring and supply chain tracking, Preferred by Nature and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are collaborating to create a standard protocol for managing geolocation data in global supply chains. This is to help companies meet new regulatory requirements like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and other upcoming regulations and increase product traceability. Key participants, such as sustainability certification programmes and relevant industries, will contribute to this development. The aim is to facilitate supply chain scrutiny, allowing companies to better understand their product's journey from raw material sourcing to final product sale. This is increasingly involving geolocation data to help map where raw materials are produced.

The EUDR, which requires accurate geolocation data, is a significant driver for this. Preferred by Nature’s Executive Director, Peter Feilberg, noted the challenge of meeting these new stringent requirements and emphasised the need for a unified system to manage this data.

The FAO is leading the project to create this standard protocol, which will involve various organisations and companies. It will provide a way for producers and other supply chain participants to collect and consolidate geolocation data related to their products and commodities.

As a key output to the project, a reference document (protocol), which will include various elements to align processes, including guidelines for sharing geolocation datasets, will be produced. The development of the reference document will involve engaging with key stakeholders through interviews, working groups and online events, and conducting a comprehensive consultation process. Draft versions will be shared publicly throughout the project, with the final version available by October 2023.

 

About Preferred by Nature

Preferred by Nature is an international mission-driven non-profit organisation working to support better land management and business practices that benefit people, nature and the climate. It does it through a unique combination of sustainability certification services, projects supporting awareness raising and capacity building. For nearly 30 years, it has worked to develop practical solutions to drive positive impacts in production landscapes and supply chains in 100+ countries. Preferred by Nature focuses on land use, primarily through the forest, agriculture and climate impact commodities, and related sectors, such as tourism and conservation.

About the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) that focuses on international efforts to combat hunger, improve agricultural practices, promote sustainable development in the agricultural sector and ensure food security for all. Established in 1945, the FAO is headquartered in Rome, Italy, and has a membership of 197 countries, making it one of the largest UN specialised agencies. The FAO's primary mission is to achieve food security for all, which it defines as when all people have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and lead a healthy and active life. The organisation works towards this goal through various activities, including policy development, technical assistance, capacity building and knowledge sharing.