The Socfin Group, an international agro-industrial group specialising in tropical agriculture, announces the launch of an independent evaluation of the implementation of the action plans resulting from the “Deep Dive” assessments carried out between 2023 and 2024 across several of its operational sites.

This evaluation has been entrusted to Proforest, an international organisation recognised for its technical expertise in responsible agricultural production, environmental and social risk management, and sustainable supply chains.

A key milestone in strengthening the Group’s sustainability strategy

The assignment will cover 11 operational sites across West Africa, Central Africa and Southeast Asia. Its objectives are to:

• independently assess the level of implementation of the action plans,
• evaluate the effectiveness of the measures deployed,
• identify progress achieved, remaining gaps and priority areas for improvement, and
• contribute to the update of the Group’s Responsible Management Policy (RMP).

The work will include desk-based reviews, field visits, interviews with management teams, workers and local stakeholders, as well as an assessment of operational practices against Socfin’s internal commitments and relevant international standards.

“This independent evaluation represents a structuring step in our sustainability journey. It reflects our commitment to rigour, transparency and continuous improvement. The objective is to assess, in concrete terms, the effectiveness of the actions implemented on the ground and to rely on a solid, evidence-based foundation to guide the next phase of our sustainability strategy,”
said Céline Schmitz, Head of Sustainability of the Socfin Group.

“Socfin has long been committed to making progress on environmental, social and governance issues. Entrusting this evaluation to a recognised independent actor such as Proforest demonstrates our determination to address these challenges with seriousness, pragmatism and responsibility, closely aligned with operational realities,”added Régis Helsmoortel, Socfin Group General Manager.

 A long-term, impact-oriented approach

The findings of this evaluation will support the Group’s strategic decision-making, strengthen its internal systems and contribute to an informed and constructive dialogue with stakeholders, in a context of increasing expectations regarding sustainability and corporate due diligence.