Donau Soja Standard September 2021 & Europe Soya Standard September 2021

What is it?

Donau Soja is a European, multi-stakeholder, not-for-profit membership organization supporting the European Protein Transition with an emphasis on sustainable European non-GMO soya production.

The Donau Soja standards are based on ten Donau Soja principles of soya bean cultivation. These principles cover Donau Soja’s two essential characteristics of “European origin” and “GM-free status”, along with additional social, environmental, and economic aspects. 

The ten principles are:

1. European origin of soya beans and soya products;
2. GM-free status of soya beans and soya products;
3. Responsible farm management and community relations;
4. Use of best practices in soil and nutrient management;
5. Use of best practices in crop protection;
6. Use of best practices in water management;
7. Use of best practices in waste management;
8. Responsible land use and biodiversity protection;
9. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and, 
10. Compliance with human and labor rights and safe working conditions

Concerning reducing GHG emissions:

• Under Principle 9 (Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions), Donau  Soja and Europe’s soya bean production shall contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate protection. 
• Farmers shall know how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the sequestration of greenhouse gasses on their farms. 
• Any applicable data, such as yields, seed inputs, fertilizer application, pesticide application, and fuel use, shall be recorded. The farmer shall implement measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. 
• Under Principle 8 (Responsible land use and biodiversity protection), deforestation and conversion of natural ecosystems (including, but not limited to, wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands) for the cultivation of Donau Soja and Europe soya beans shall be prohibited.

Amongst many issues, the standard ensures:

• Product is produced in the Danube or European region;
• It is GMO-free;
• Pesticide use is reduced
• There is no deforestation or land conversion;
• GHG emissions are reduced; and,
• Compliance with international social and labor rights.