Better Sugarcane Initiative - BSI

BSI Mission

The Better Sugarcane Initiative is a multi-stakeholder collaboration whose mission is to promote measurable improvements in the key environmental and social impacts of sugarcane production and primary processing.

The group recognises the wide range of, and geographically different, issues connected with sugarcane production and primary processing. In order to effectively address the key impacts, the Better Sugarcane Initiative will initially focus on the most significant issues in sugarcane production and primary processing.

To achieve this, the Better Sugarcane Initiative is committed to engaging stakeholders in a constructive dialogue to define, develop and encourage the adoption and implementation of practical and verifiable performance-based measures and baselines for sugarcane production and primary processing on a global scale.

 

BSI Aims

Determine the principles of Better Sugarcane - BSI recognises the wide range of issues connected with sugarcane cultivation and will focus on a few significant social and environmental issues such as soil productivity; rational water use; effluent management; biodiversity maintenance; and equitable labour

Define globally applicable performance-based measures and baselines for sugarcane that take into account local conditions and circumstances - BSI recognises that the impacts of sugarcane farming will vary between farms and regions and seeks to underpin guidelines developed at the national or regional level

Promote the implementation of sustainable sugar to reduce social and environmental impacts whilst maintaining or enhancing the economic status of farmers - BSI understands that farmers do not wish to have additional obligations unless there are clear benefits for farmers

Enable sugarcane buyers to obtain sugar that has been produced according to agreed, transparent and verifiable criteria - BSI Is focused on the bulk of sugar production, and does not intend to create a niche product.

 

BSI Objectives

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Create and maintain a forum to identify and share information about trends in sugarcane production and primary processing;
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Challenge assumptions and foster understanding globally;
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Ensure open and transparent dissemination of information;
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Agree on key impacts of sugarcane production and primary processing;
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Document and analyse environmental and social Better Management Practices and their cost and benefits to sugarcane producers, primary processors, the environment and society;
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Agree on the principles of "Better Sugarcane";
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Establish priorities for solution-oriented research and technological innovation;
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Create a database of current information about Better Sugarcane related to key impacts and priorities and support the dissemination of information about the BSI , as well as other sugar initiatives;
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Agree on performance-based and verifiable principals, criteria and indicators for Better Sugarcane that include environmental, social, and financial considerations.
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Support and encourage use of better management practices by relevant stakeholders; and,
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Integrate findings into codes of conduct and certification programs based on better management practices.
BSI - Better Sugarcane Initiative www.bettersugarcane.org