ABOUT US

The Sustainable Nut Initiative (SNI) works within various nut supply chains. Each chain has its own characteristics. Certain chains are relatively short and transparent. Whereas others are complex and have limited transparency, with the result that there is no insight into the actions of actors in the sector, profit margins and production methods. Currently we are focusing on the cashew sector. In the future we will also work on other categories.

Increased transparency and traceability are essential and a precondition to move towards sustainable supply chains. A shared vision and the development of tools and best practices are needed to meet a necessary new approach in supply and procurement that benefits all actors in the chain, including (smallholder) farmers.

Participants of the Sustainable Nut Initiative aim to create a beyond certification and risk-based approach allowing current and future sustainability issues to be tackled on a sector level. As frontrunners of the sector we develop strategies and tools that take into account the specific production characteristics and sustainability challenges of various nuts. We aim to develop a mainstream, scalable solution.

Farmer harvesting hazelnuts in Turkey
APPROACH

Tools & Solutions

The Sustainable Nut Initiative develops strategies and tools to work towards sustainable supply chains that take into account the specific production characteristics and sustainability challenges of the various nuts. Our work is based on three pillars:

Transparency and traceability

Increased transparency and traceability in the supply chain are crucial first steps to move towards sustainable supply chains. Data collection, data assessment and management of this data are key. Data driven improvement tools are important to secure long-term sustainable supply.

Risk-based approach

A biennially risk assessment, carried out by an independent organisation, of the sustainability risks in the producing countries of a specific nut, will help participants to focus on the sustainability risks that are most urgent and to develop a mitigation plan to address the risks in their area of procurement.

Continuous improvement

Based on the risk assessment, each participant of the Sustainable Nut Initiative makes an individual plan to work on risk mitigation and continuous improvement.



BENEFITS

Why are companies joining SNI?

Create impact together

Individual companies cannot tackle all sustainability risks alone. At the Sustainable Nut Initiative we create a common understanding and focus on risks and opportunities. In addition, we work on consistency in requirements along the supply chain to create an impact together. Jointly, we can also present an alternative to the final market.

Mitigate risks

The Sustainable Nut Initiative develops a reliable approach to address and mitigate sustainability risks. A biennially risk assessment helps participants to focus on the sustainability risks that are most urgent and to develop a mitigation plan to address the risks in their area of procurement.

Linkages to like-minded institutions

We team up with organisations like ComCashew and IDH, The Sustainable Trade Initiative. Our participants can set next steps through developing joint projects with these institutions.

Learn & share

Participants share their best practices across the supply chain. This way all participants have access to up-to-date facts and figures to strengthen projects and practices.
GET INVOLVED

Become a participant

Participants and partners of the Sustainable Nut Initiative are international frontrunners joining forces to address and mitigate sustainability issues in supply chains of nuts. Making sure there is a profitable business case for everyone involved in the supply chain. Need more information? We will gladly answer all your questions!

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