Themes

The FACT Roadmap launched in 2021 identifies indicative actions in four key and related thematic areas.

The Forest, Agriculture and Commodity Trade (FACT) Dialogue emphasizes the importance of  building an understanding of the common factors necessary for sustainable production. This involves examining approaches within the beef, cocoa, palm oil, and timber industries among FACT participating countries that are producing and consuming these commodities.

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Smallholder farmers are central to the aims of the FACT Dialogue. Smallholders produce a significant proportion of many of the agricultural commodities at the center of FACT’s work. But smallholders frequently need scaled-up support to ensure they have fair access to new sustainable markets and that they can succeed in work that protects forests and other ecosystems while promoting sustainable trade and development.

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The theme of Traceability and Transparency is critical to achieving the aims of the FACT Dialogue. In part, this is because systems and technologies that enable traceability and transparency of commodities provide the basis for certification schemes and assurance of origin. They also support efforts by national governments to apply and enforce laws that underpin: sustainable production; work by companies to ensure sustainable sourcing of commodities; and efforts by stakeholders and civil society to enhance accountability. They can also help to underpin investor confidence.

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Research, Development and Innovation underpin all areas of FACT’s work. Addressing deforestation linked to commodity trade requires evidence-based policy, reliable data, and continuous learning across countries and regions.

Through joint analysis, peer exchange, and collaboration on digital and institutional approaches, FACT has strengthened the knowledge base supporting sustainable commodity governance. By demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to a changing international landscape, FACT has adapted its priorities and workstreams to emerging regulatory developments and member-country needs. This ensures that FACT remains relevant, practical, and forward-looking in addressing the complex links between forests, agriculture, and trade.