EUDR Compliance and Beyond: Using Satellite Data to Ensure Sustainable Soy Sourcing

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Soy is essential in global supply chains, but its demand has led to widespread deforestation. To combat this, the EU has introduced the EUDR, demanding full transparency from soy importers. Envirosensing combines satellite data, AI, and environmental monitoring to help businesses track land-use changes and ensure compliance, supporting sustainable supply chains.

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Soy is everywhere, embedded in everything from livestock feed to processed foods and even biodiesel. It fuels industries, drives economies, and shapes global supply chains. But behind its widespread use lies an environmental crisis—one measured in hectares of lost forests, soaring carbon emissions, and disappearing biodiversity. In South America, where vast tracts of the Amazon, Cerrado, and Gran Chaco forests have been sacrificed to meet demand, the consequences are severe, accelerating climate change and eroding fragile ecosystems.

The expansion of soy farming, particularly in Brazil and Argentina, has become one of the biggest drivers of deforestation. Industrial-scale cultivation has transformed once-thriving forests and savannas into endless rows of monocrops. Soy cultivation has been a major driver of deforestation. Between 2001 and 2019, Brazil's soybean cultivation area expanded from 13.4 million hectares to 34.2 million hectares, averaging an increase of 1.2 million hectares per year. Often, this expansion happens at the cost of native vegetation, through illegal land clearance and unsustainable agricultural practices that release enormous amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere. The impact goes beyond carbon emissions. Destroying forests also disrupts entire ecosystems, displacing wildlife, altering water cycles, and reducing the land’s ability to capture carbon, further exacerbating the global climate crisis. 

Recognizing the scale of this issue, the European Union—one of the largest consumers of soy—is taking decisive action. With the introduction of new regulations, businesses importing soy into Europe must now meet rigorous environmental standards to ensure their supply chains are free from deforestation.

EUDR: A New Era of Accountability for Soy Importers

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a game-changer for the soy industry. No longer can companies turn a blind eye to the origins of their supply chains. Under these rules, businesses importing soy into the EU must provide detailed geolocation data for every shipment, proving that the crops were not grown on deforested land after December 2020. Compliance requires full transparency, and failure to meet these standards will result in severe consequences, including market bans and significant fines.

For soy traders, food manufacturers, and agricultural companies, this means rethinking how supply chains are managed. Traditional auditing methods, such as supplier declarations and on-site inspections, are no longer sufficient. The only way forward is to embrace technology—leveraging satellite monitoring, geospatial intelligence, and AI-driven analytics to track land use changes in real time.

Satellite-based Earth observation offers an unprecedented level of oversight. High-resolution imagery can detect deforestation the moment it happens, allowing companies to verify that their soy sources align with EUDR requirements. By analyzing historical land-use patterns and tracking vegetation cover, businesses can ensure their supply chains are compliant, sustainable, and risk-free.

At Latitudo 40, we are at the forefront of this transformation, using artificial intelligence and geospatial analytics to convert raw satellite data into meaningful, actionable insights. Our technology enables businesses to continuously monitor land use, assess environmental risks, and ensure that their suppliers are adhering to deforestation-free commitments. Rather than relying on sporadic audits or incomplete data, companies can now access a reliable and continuous stream of geospatial intelligence.

Envirosensing: The Key to Navigating EUDR Compliance

The challenge of eliminating deforestation from soy supply chains goes beyond regulations—it requires precise monitoring, trustworthy data, and actionable insights. This is where Envirosensing makes the difference. By harnessing satellite imagery, AI-powered analytics, and environmental intelligence, Envirosensing gives producers, regulators, and buyers the tools they need to track deforestation risks and comply with EUDR regulations effectively.

Envirosensing offers a complete view of land-use changes, detecting unauthorized deforestation before it becomes a critical issue. By combining remote sensing with AI-driven analysis, the system brings unprecedented transparency to agricultural supply chains. Companies can move beyond passive compliance, using technology to actively identify high-risk areas, refine land management practices, and mitigate environmental impact.

For soy producers and traders, this means shifting from a reactive approach—where compliance is confirmed only after violations occur—to a proactive model where risks are detected and addressed in advance. With Envirosensing, companies can verify the integrity of their supply chains, protect their market access, and strengthen their sustainability commitments.

A Use Case: How a European Soy Importer Ensures EUDR Compliance with Envirosensing

For European soy importers, the introduction of the EUDR presents both a challenge and an opportunity. One importer, sourcing soy from Brazil, was under increasing pressure to verify that their supply chain was deforestation-free. With thousands of hectares under cultivation and multiple suppliers scattered across different regions, traditional due diligence methods—such as supplier declarations and manual audits—were proving inadequate. The risk of unknowingly sourcing soy from deforested land posed not only regulatory consequences but also a major reputational threat.

Recognizing the urgency, the company turned to Envirosensing. By integrating satellite-based monitoring with AI-powered analytics, the importer gained real-time insights into land-use changes across all its suppliers' farms. The system flagged potential deforestation risks early, allowing the company to engage with suppliers before non-compliant soy entered the supply chain. Instead of relying on outdated and incomplete reports, they now had continuous oversight, ensuring that every shipment met EUDR standards.

For this importer, Envirosensing was not just a compliance tool—it became a strategic asset. Beyond regulatory requirements, the company leveraged its newfound transparency as a competitive advantage, demonstrating to customers and stakeholders that their soy was ethically and sustainably sourced.

The Future of Soy Sustainability: Leveraging Technology for a Cleaner Supply Chain

As the EUDR enforcement deadline approaches, businesses involved in soy cultivation and trade must act now. Outdated monitoring systems and fragmented data sources will no longer be enough. Compliance requires a forward-thinking approach, embracing cutting-edge technologies that deliver clear, verifiable insights into deforestation risks.

Envirosensing is at the forefront of this shift. By combining satellite intelligence, AI-driven analytics, and comprehensive environmental monitoring, it provides companies with an essential tool for ensuring compliance and sustainability. For soy importers in Europe, this means gaining the confidence that every shipment meets legal and ethical standards while contributing to more responsible agricultural practices.

The future of sustainable agriculture is no longer a distant goal—it is an urgent necessity. Companies that embrace innovation now will not only secure their operations against regulatory risks but also lead the charge toward a more transparent, ethical, and environmentally responsible food system.

Discover how Envirosensing can transform your supply chain and help you navigate the complexities of EUDR compliance. Learn more at envirosensing.com.

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