Strategy on track as 2019 trends growth, development and delivery
2nd December 2019
As we approach the end of what has been my first full year as Director General, I reflect back over 2019, and feel extremely proud. As a member-driven organisation, SAI Platform is reaching new heights as together we continue to grow, develop and deliver a more sustainable agricultural sector.
This year our trend in membership growth continued, as 17 new members joined SAI Platform. Our core team also expanded as we welcomed Joe Iveson into the FSA Systems Team.
2019 marked a full review and revival of our Advisory Council. We welcomed new advisors from WRI, CISL, CIFW, Harvard Business School FLA, MIT and IFC, bringing with them key areas of expertise in animal welfare, climate and human rights.
Across the board, our tools, projects, and events had a stand-out year as we developed and delivered to our members’ needs. FSA training workshops have taken place around the world, including North America, China and Europe. New solutions for audit and review via the FSA toolkit and topic guides are now helping to drive engagement and provide practical support.
Our focus to build industry solutions resulted with the launch of the Sustainable Dairy Partnership. While our direction to offer diversity and support to our members produced the newly developed International Executive Programme for Sustainable Sourcing and Trade.
Member collaboration is at our core, and this is how we are able to find innovative solutions that make a difference. This year we have seen strong progress and delivery across our 9 projects, and I especially want to call out SAIRISI and Doñana, which are both coming to an end this year. Special mention must also go to the SUBERU project, that has extended FSA use to almost 60% of global sugar beet markets.
As I reflect over the year, I am also excited to look ahead to 2020. There are new opportunities as the SAI Platform Americas Committee moves forward. A total of 13 member-defined projects are now approved, and the delivery of FSA 3.0 will be well underway. Furthermore, after this year’s successful Annual Event and General Assembly in Chicago, 2020’s theme will continue to focus on farmers with a visit to Parma, Italy.
Last but, not least, I thank our Executive Committee for their continued commitment, knowledge and advice. I also thank our truly dedicated team for their individual passion and excellence in delivery. I especially thank, Jane Duncan, our Operations Director and my partner in leadership of delivery for SAI Platform.
Festive greetings to one and all,
Adrian Greet, Director General, SAI Platform
