Morrisons

The letters are coming back thick and fast now with 2 more responses to date. Here's Morrisons' comments:


"Morrisons takes your concerns about palm oil and the impact of deforestation of orangutans seriously. We are committed to encouraging the responsible sourcing of palm oil and ensureing that its cultivation is not threatening forests or natural habitats.

Although palm oil is entirely GM free and has the highest yield per hectare than any oil or oilseed crop, it is recognised that there are environmental pressures on its expanision to eco-sensitive areas, particularly as oil palm can only be cultivated in tropical areas of Asia, Africa and South America. It is therefore vital that production and use of palm oil must be done in a sustainable manner based on economic, social and environmental viability.

As part of our commitment, in 2008 Morrisons was accepted on to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), to help promote best practice for the cultivation and use of sutstainable palm oil throughout the supply chain.

In addition, we intend to strengthen our position in 2009 and to monitor product specifications through supplier audit activity. There are around 35,000 lines of products in store of branded and own brand products at time and you will appreciate that any review across the business can be a fairly lengthly process. As a result of our approach, our policy has started to take practical effect so that, for example, we have recently introduced a new Heath and Beauty range incorporating certified sustainable palm oil.

I do hope this letter has gone some way to reassuring you that we take our responsibilities in the area very serioously."