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Writer's pictureSustainable Agriculture Network

Strengthening Supply Chain Sustainability: Collaborating with the Sustainable Agriculture Network

Updated: Oct 12, 2023

Sustainability is at the forefront of today's corporate agendas, with businesses facing complex challenges related to climate change, supply chain integrity, fair practices, and their broader social and environmental responsibilities. Navigating this multifaceted landscape can be overwhelming, but the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) offers a strategic collaborative partnership for companies looking to elevate their supply chain sustainability.


 
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Goal Setting

Setting meaningful yet achievable sustainability goals can be daunting. SAN collaborates closely with its corporate partners to establish consensus on desired outcomes that address key sustainability challenges in their supply chains. Through a co-creation process with corporate sustainability teams, actionable strategies are developed to achieve these outcomes while also addressing compliance requirements and demands for transparent reporting.


Supply Chain Mapping and Analysis

Understanding the intricacies of supply chains is essential for targeted sustainability efforts. SAN supports companies in mapping their supply chains and conducts comprehensive analyses, including desk assessments, stakeholder interviews, root-cause analysis, and field visits. This process identifies reputational risks, improvement areas, and pressing sustainability challenges, helping validate or adjust identified outcomes and determine required investments.


Outcome-Based Budgeting

Achieving sustainability requires investment aligned with transformational goals. SAN assists corporate partners in budgeting based on expected transformation outcomes. Strategic tools and exercises facilitate understanding of the investment levels needed to achieve sustainability goals within their supply chain.


Implementation Framework Design

SAN collaborates with corporate partners to design outcome-focused implementation frameworks tailored to their unique contexts. These frameworks address both regulatory requirements and voluntary commitments, demonstrating commitment to ESG goals and fostering engagement with supply chain stakeholders responsible for improvement projects, using the Sustainable Agriculture Framework (SAF).


Field-Based Technical Assistance and Coaching

SAN leverages its global network of local-based members and partners to provide field-based technical assistance and coaching. This support reinforces best practices, imparts new skills, and promotes behavioral changes within supply chains, all essential elements to justify ESG investments and achieve transformation according to the Implementation Framework.


Progress Monitoring and Strategic Communications Support

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems are pivotal for supply chain transparency and accountability. SAN tailors M&E systems to the specific needs of corporate partners, allowing them to track and assess changes in their supply chains. Additionally, M&E enhances engagement in field-based interventions and facilitates reporting to relevant authorities and stakeholders. Recognizing the power of storytelling, SAN assists corporate partners in effectively communicating their ESG journey, ensuring credibility and fostering benefits such as enhanced social and environmental performance, improved public perception, and increased revenue.


The path to supply chain sustainability is intricate, but partnering with organizations like the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) can provide businesses with the tools, expertise, and support needed to overcome these challenges. With SAN's services encompassing goal setting, supply chain analysis, outcome-based budgeting, implementation framework design, technical assistance, progress monitoring, and strategic communications, companies can not only navigate complexity but also drive meaningful and lasting change within their supply chains.


By collaborating with SAN, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while contributing to the greater global imperative of responsible and ethical business practices.


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