January 22, 2024

CP Foods' supplier advances efforts to combat haze, dust in corn supply chain in Thailand

Bangkok Produce Merchandising Public Company Limited (BKP), a key supplier of feed raw material for Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Limited (CP Foods), is proactively working with corn suppliers in Thailand through the Corn Burning Monitoring initiative.

The initiative is geared towards reducing dust emissions resulting from cornfield burning. BKP is working to eradicate this dust source by utilising satellite data for identifying hotspots and conducting thorough monitoring of field-burning activities within its corn supply chain.

Worapot Suratwisit, deputy managing director of BKP, emphasised that the initiative is a crucial component of the "Partner to Green: Corn Suppliers United Against PM 2.5 Pollution" programme. Launched by BKP last October, this programme is strategically focused on substantially reducing dust pollution emanating from corn fields within its supply chain.

Suratwisit's statement underscores BKP's dedication to environmental sustainability and its role in addressing air quality concerns. The company maintains close cooperation with local corn suppliers for the daily exchange of hotspot data. These suppliers are critical in ensuring the data's accuracy by consulting with farmers registered in the corn traceability system, to validate the information within seven days.

Upon receiving reports, local corn suppliers engage with farmers to cross-reference reported field-burning incidents with satellite imagery. BKP also sends representatives to educate farmers, aiming to raise awareness and promote sustainable methods for managing corn residues. The company enforces a policy of suspending purchases for one year from farmers who persist in field-burning practices.

Additionally, BKP encourages public participation in monitoring and reporting farmers' burning practices. The F-Farm Application, designed for this purpose, enables users to report occurrences of cornfield burning. Should any reported incidents fall outside the network of BKP-registered farmers, the company will liaise with the relevant authorities to manage the situation, contributing to the widespread effort against smoke and dust pollution.

BKP has been pioneering the purchasing of corn through a traceability system since 2016, adhering to the "No Mountain, No Burning, Not Buy" principle to guarantee corn sourcing free from deforestation and burning.

Actively promoting a public-private partnership model, BKP is committed to enhancing the capacities of its partner suppliers in responsible corn sourcing and supporting the journey towards the Net-Zero target by 2050.

- CP Foods