Danone

Nestle

Unilever

The Sustainable Agiculture Initiative's vision is that sustainable agiculture is the best solution to provide a sustainable supply of high-quality raw materials in competitive conditions, meet the food and fibers needs of populations (with respect to safety, availability, affordability) and conserve and possibly improve natural resources.

Sustainable agriculture is a long term goal and a continuous learning process. It should be able to support economically viable and responsible farming systems, which enable local communities to maintain their livelihood, safeguard their environment and improve their well-being.

SAI defines sustainable agriculture as "a productive, competitive and efficient way to produce agricultural raw materials, while at the same time protecting and improving the natural environment and social/economic conditions of local communities."

SAI supports sustainable agriculture practices that embody the following principles: provide the base for ensured food safety; secure adequate food supplies; protect and possibly improve the natural environment and resources; and support economically viable and responsible farming systems.

To raise awareness and communicate to relevant audiences on SAI principles, on findings and learning points, on achievements and potential improvements.

To manage knowledge on the current, sustainable agricultural practices applied both by members and others (e.g. developing inventories and databases).

To identify and involve stakeholders in the food chain and interested parties to bring knowledge on sustainable agriculture and local issues, to give constructive feedback, to advise SAI strategy or to draw attention to new concerns.

To continuously support the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices.

To support the implementation of market mechanisms and trade rules to facilitate the marketing and trading of agricultural produce coming from sustainable agricultural practices.

To enable SAI to obtain recognition from representatives of the food chain right down to consumers, SAI should attract an increasing number of food companies to join the platform and should involve interested parties in its work, farmers, non-governmental organisations, policy makers, authorities and other stakeholders.

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