Large-scale mechanised responsible soy production under moist conditions Note: This project has been cancelled, because RVO has no confidence that it will be successfully completed in the short term.In Ghana, there is a soy deficit. Therefore, it is being imported at high prices, including 12% tax levy. The PSI project wants to fill the gap in supply. The applicant Scan Fuel AS, the local partner ScanFuel Ghana Ltd and the third partner Ghana Nuts Ltd will set up a joint venture to produce responsible soy under large-scale mechanised conditions. In total 440 ha will be in own production and 550 ha will be produced with outgrowers in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions. The cultivation will be under moist conditions and the land will be cultivated twice a year. The market is assured through Ghana Nuts, which will process the soy and do the marketing of the end product to the local market. The joint venture will take the lead for setting a national standard for responsible soy production and will adhere to the standards of the Round Table of Responsible Soy.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)The joint venture will take the initiative to develop the standard for the Ghanaian Round Table for Responsible Soy. The end responsibility lies with the headquarters in Brazil. The partners will educate surrounding communities on health care. Also, public road maintenance will be done. A CSR policy will be developed and formalised for the joint venture including issues mentioned under employment and working conditions.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsAt the end of the project 59 workers will be employed. Two years after the project 107 employees will be contracted. Salaries are higher than the Ghanaian minimum. Medical insurance will be paid for and preservatives, free transport, lunches and drinks will be provided. Also, school fees and uniforms will be (partially) paid for, for those connected to the project who cannot afford this.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeKnowledge on mechanisation of Ghanaian small farmers in outgrowers' schemes is innovative. The project will show that mechanised farming among small farmers is possible and that farmers at this level can be included in agriculture development and growth.Furthermore, soy production under moist conditions with tropical varieties is new for all farmers and can lead to increased yields.•	Chain effectsThe financial benefits for small farmers are large. The net profit will be around € 108 per ha. Outgrowers will be included in a structure in which they will be able to receive mechanisation services, to get training for qualitative and high yield production and receive pre-financing.Inputs, except seeds, will be purchased locally. This includes fertilisers, chemicals and packaging. At the end of the chain the poultry industry will benefit for the increase of availability of soy meal.•	EnvironmentThe joint venture will conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and follow-up on the recommendations of this assessment. The Round Table for Responsible Soy also covers environmental standards as reduction of emissions and preservation of native vegetation. Moreover, modern technologies will optimise efficiency and minimise waste, spillage and leakage. The joint venture will also promote integrated pest management among farmers. With a track and tracing system the use of chemicals and fertilisers will be monitored.•	Position of womenEfforts will be made to employ women. At least 33% of the employees will be female. Among the medium high-level positions 6 will be fulfilled by women. Mechanised responsible soy production under moist conditions of which 440 ha in own production and 550 ha of outgrower production, for the Ghanaian market.