Sustainability Standards

Advancing responsible agricultural practices through India-relevant sustainability frameworks for soybean and palm oil value chains.

Environmental Responsibility Farmer Well-being Sustainable Value Chains

Frameworks for a More Sustainable Future

Explore sustainability frameworks that encourage responsible production, better resource management, farmer well-being and stronger agricultural value chains in the Indian context.

Indian Standards for Sustainable Soy (ISSS)

The Indian Standards for Sustainable Soy (ISSS) provide a framework for promoting sustainable soybean production and trade in the Indian context. Developed to align sustainability practices with India's agricultural priorities, the standards seek to support a more productive, environmentally responsible and socially inclusive soybean sector.

Soybean is an important crop for Indian farmers and the domestic edible-oil economy. Promoting its sustainable cultivation requires an integrated approach that considers farm productivity, soil health, natural resource conservation, responsible farm management and the livelihoods of farming communities.

ISSS provides guidance to stakeholders across the soybean value chain to encourage responsible production practices and strengthen the sustainability of the sector.

Key Areas of Focus

FOCUS AREA 01

Sustainable Farm Management

Encouraging improved agronomic practices, efficient use of agricultural inputs and farm management approaches that support long-term productivity.

FOCUS AREA 02

Soil Health and Natural Resource Conservation

Promoting practices that help maintain soil fertility, conserve water and protect the natural resource base on which soybean cultivation depends.

FOCUS AREA 03

Environmental Responsibility

Encouraging production practices that minimise adverse environmental impacts and support responsible management of agricultural land and resources.

FOCUS AREA 04

Farmer Livelihoods and Social Responsibility

Recognising farmers' economic well-being, safe working conditions and responsible social practices in building a sustainable soybean sector.

FOCUS AREA 05

Productivity and Economic Viability

Supporting improved farm efficiency and production systems that balance economic returns with environmental and social considerations.

FOCUS AREA 06

Responsible Production and Trade

Providing a common sustainability reference for stakeholders working to improve practices and strengthen confidence across the soybean value chain.

Supporting a More Sustainable Soybean Value Chain

ISSS offers a framework for integrating sustainability considerations into soybean production and trade. Its relevance extends beyond individual farms to the wider value chain, where coordinated action by farmers, FPOs, processors, buyers and other stakeholders can help advance responsible sourcing and sustainable agricultural development.

By encouraging the adoption of context-appropriate practices, ISSS supports the broader objective of building a soybean sector that is economically viable, environmentally responsible and responsive to the needs of farming communities.

Indian Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) Framework

The Indian Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) Framework is an industry-led framework designed to promote sustainable palm oil production and trade in India. Created by the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA), with support from Solidaridad, the Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research and SOPOPRAD, IPOS provides sustainability guidelines tailored to India's agricultural conditions and industry requirements.

The framework brings together environmental, social, economic and agronomic considerations to encourage responsible oil palm cultivation, improved farm management and more sustainable supply chains. It seeks to align the interests of farmers, processors, businesses and other stakeholders around a common approach to sustainability.

Key Areas of Focus

FOCUS AREA 01

Environmental Sustainability

Promoting responsible land and natural resource management, environmental protection and agricultural practices that reduce negative impacts on ecosystems.

FOCUS AREA 02

Sustainable Farm Management

Encouraging good agronomic practices, improved plantation management, efficient resource use and continuous improvement in farm productivity.

FOCUS AREA 03

Farmer Well-being and Social Responsibility

Recognising farmers' livelihoods and promoting socially beneficial practices across the oil palm value chain.

FOCUS AREA 04

Economic Viability and Productivity

Supporting practices that improve farm performance, strengthen operational efficiency and contribute to the long-term economic sustainability of oil palm cultivation and processing.

FOCUS AREA 05

Responsible Production and Trade

Providing principles, criteria, indicators and practical guidance to help stakeholders integrate sustainability considerations into production, processing and trade.

FOCUS AREA 06

Transparency and Continuous Improvement

Encouraging documentation, monitoring, stakeholder engagement and action plans to strengthen sustainability performance over time.

Institutionalising Sustainable Palm Oil Practices

The SEA–IPOS Council supports the institutionalisation and promotion of the framework. It facilitates coordination among government, industry bodies, businesses and other stakeholders, while encouraging regional cooperation and dialogue on sustainable palm oil production and trade.

IPOS also provides a foundation for collaboration with other sustainability frameworks and initiatives, helping stakeholders explore greater alignment in sustainability practices and responsible sourcing.

Towards a More Sustainable Palm Oil Sector

By providing India-relevant sustainability guidance, IPOS seeks to improve agricultural practices, support farmer well-being, strengthen supply-chain efficiency and enhance the sustainability performance of the Indian palm oil industry.

Its approach recognises that a sustainable palm oil sector requires coordinated action across cultivation, processing, trade and market development.

Our focus: Environmentally responsible production, economically viable farming and socially beneficial palm oil value chains.

Explore the framework: Visit IPOS India