Aug 11 2011 --- Archer Daniels Midland Company announced that the company has achieved the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) to supply sustainably grown soybeans to the European market. As a result, ADM will be the first company to provide Europe with ISCC-certified sustainable soy that meets the European Union’s new Renewable Energy Directive (EU-RED) requirements. Up to 250,000 metric tons of sustainable soybeans will be processed at ADM’s crushing facilities in Hamburg and Mainz, Germany by autumn 2011.

“The ISCC allows ADM to maintain our leadership position in the importation of soybeans to the European market while encouraging sustainable farming practices among growers,” said Jake Beaverson, general manager, ADM European Soybean Crushing. “ADM is committed to the responsible, sustainable development of agriculture. Through this certification, we will be able to meet the increased demand for products that have been sustainably sourced and responsibly processed.”

To qualify for certification, companies must meet strict criteria for sustainable biomass and biofuels production, as well as reduced emissions of greenhouse gases over the entire production chain. As part of the certification process, ADM and select farmers in South America underwent intensive audits to evaluate the sustainability of their business practices and processes, as well as traceability within the supply chain. ADM then worked directly with growers to implement best practices to meet certification requirements for export to the European market.

The ISCC was developed to guarantee that biofuels and biomass for biofuels are produced in compliance with recent EU legislation that requires, by January 2011, all biofuels and biomass in Germany to be certified according to the EU-RED requirements. The EU established the new RED legislation to enforce social, labor and environmental requirements for the production and importation of biofuels.

“While the demand for certified materials is driven by the biofuels market, we also anticipate a growing need for sustainable soy in the food and feed markets,” adds Beaverson. “Through our sourcing operations in South America, our processing facilities in Europe and our extensive logistics network that links the two, ADM will continue to meet the evolving needs of European customers.”