ESA commits to protecting biodiversity and regenerative agriculture

The European Snacks Association (ESA) is placing biodiversity and sustainable sourcing at the heart of its environmental strategy, emphasising the industry’s critical role in securing resilient food supply chains.

Detailed in the newly released 2024-2025 Sustainability Report, the ESA highlights its deep commitment to minimising environmental impact and safeguarding the ecosystems essential for key raw materials.

Recognising that savoury snacks rely heavily on crops like potatoes, corn, and oilseeds, the ESA is intensifying its focus on sustainable sourcing practices. The strategy involves rigorous efforts to eliminate deforestation from supply chains and protect existing forests, which are vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots.

The report specifically champions the shift toward regenerative agriculture principles. This approach moves beyond simply reducing harm and actively seeks to improve the health of farming landscapes.

Key actions include promoting the adoption of climate-smart farming techniques that enhance soil health, increase carbon sequestration, and conserve water resources. By supporting farmers in making this transition, the industry aims to ensure the long-term viability of the land while securing high-quality ingredients.

A core component of this commitment is the ESA’s focus on water stewardship. With agriculture being a major water user, the industry is collaborating with farmers and local communities to implement strategies that use water more efficiently, reduce pollution, and protect local watersheds.

Furthermore, the ESA is actively encouraging its members to adopt certifications like those offered by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) for palm oil, further cementing the industry’s dedication to deforestation-free sourcing.

This approach, detailed in the report, confirms that the European savoury snacks sector views sustainable sourcing and the protection of global biodiversity not as optional extras, but as fundamental necessities for future growth and for building a food system that is truly sustainable and resilient.