The goal of SDG 3 is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all people of all ages. This includes reducing illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution, combating non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cancer, promoting mental health, and strengthening health systems to provide universal access to quality healthcare services. Additionally, the goal aims to address other determinants of health, such as nutrition, water and sanitation, and environmental pollution.
Donau Soja Organisation
Through the Donau Soja Protein Strategy for Europe, challenges of the food sector are tackled and solutions for improving the food security in Europe and diets to become healthier, are offered. Human diets that rely more on plant protein, especially pulses and soya, are generally healthier and more sustainable compared to the typical consumer diet in the EU today. Moderation in the consumption of animal products with a corresponding reduction in their production would improve the performance of our agri-food system in terms of human health, the environment, and land use.
Additionally, Donau Soja actively raises awareness for a healthier and sustainable diet, as well as responsible farm management practices. The organisation organises events such as networking events on the topic of plantbased food at the 10 years anniversary event in 2022, or discussions on the topic as part of the World Soybean Research Conference in 2023.
Donau Soja / Europe Soya Standard
The Donau Soja / Europe Soya Standard is contributing to SDG 3 through its principle 5 and 10, consistent with safety and health standards on EU level.
According to principle 5, the standards stand for responsible use of pesticides. For certified cultivation, only pesticides whose active ingredients are approved in the EU are permitted and bans the use of substances listed in the Stockholm Convention, the Rotterdam Convention and substances listed by the WHO. Additionally, aerial spraying, desiccation (i.e. drying down cultivated plants by means of a chemical agent to accelerate ripening before harvesting) are prohibited.
Beyond the aspect of production, also the staff dealing with plant protection products shall be competent and shall envisage the use of non-chemical alternatives to pesticides. Workers must also receive adequate health and safety training and only qualified workers should carry out dangerous and complex tasks. The farm should have restrictions in place related to hazardous activities, and accident and emergency procedures must be established and clearly understood by all workers, as stated by the Donau Soja principle 10.
