Q&A: Meeting the rising demand for sustainable commodities in Asia
Jiang Zaifeng MD APAC, China & IPL Global Wheat COFCO International
Today, Asian markets are seeking more traceable, certified sustainable products. And with China importing some 60% of the world’s soybeans, Zaifeng Jiang, Managing Director APAC and China at COFCO International, explains how we are responding to this demand, while supporting the future of agriculture, creating business value and improving farmer livelihoods.
Why are companies in Asia seeking certified sustainable and verified deforestation- and conversion-free products?
The growing demand, particularly in China and Southeast Asia, is driven by rising consumer interest in health, food quality and sustainability, as incomes rise, together with the requirements of international markets who are sometimes the final customer for our customers in Asia. Major agri-food companies are moving to address climate risks, including in relation to grains and oilseeds imported from South America, with land use change representing a large proportion of the industry’s GHG footprint.
Beyond this, farmers are seeing their yields affected by more frequent and severe weather events. For example, 49% of the world’s natural disaster-related agricultural losses between 1991 and 2023 were in the Asia-Pacific region.
Why is COFCO International well placed to respond? How will this benefit the company?
China, South and Southeast Asia represent our most important markets. As a subsidiary of COFCO Corporation, we are well established in the region, and have a good understanding of our customers’ interests. We use advanced traceability and socio-environmental monitoring tools, and work with farmers particularly in South America, our primary origination region, to raise sustainability performance. Overall, we are creating value for our business, while demonstrating to our stakeholders that we recognise the importance of traceability, sustainability and climate resilience in supply chains.
How are you meeting the rising demand?
Our teams are collaborating to accelerate the demand for the COFCO Responsible Agriculture Standard and encourage the use of respected third-party certifications, while ensuring that the Standard remains robust and credible. With farmers at the centre of sustainable production, we are continuously seeking to ensure they benefit through pricing mechanisms, market access, technical or other on-farm support.
Please could you mention any highlights or landmark achievements?
We are proud of our progress. In January 2025, we signed a groundbreaking deal to provide China’s Mengniu dairy group with 1.5mmt of COFCO Standard-certified soy over five years. We have also sent our first shipments of soybeans certified under our Standard to countries including Thailand, Bangladesh and Vietnam, some of Asia’s fastest growing feed markets.
How is this evolution supporting the livelihoods of farmers in Brazil, Argentina and beyond?
We are incentivising and rewarding practices that build long-term climate resilience on farms. For example, we are supporting increased adoption of practices that improve soil health and water availability, which are central to withstanding adverse weather events. This in turn strengthens the reputation of South American farmers, establishing them as trusted market actors with an ability to produce responsibly and help conserve the environment.
How do you see the future of the sustainable commodities market in Asia?
We expect the market to continue growing, particularly given the visible impacts of climate change, Asia’s reliance on imports of agricultural commodities, and upcoming sustainability regulations, such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation. Importantly, this demand must continue to benefit all actors. As we move ahead, we will identify new market opportunities, and strive to deliver value for our business, suppliers and customers.
