Sustainable Agriculture Unveiled: Insights from SAN’s Jose Joaquin Campos Arce on Future Food Cast

Agriculture is a paradox—it’s both a driver of environmental challenges and a vital solution to feeding our growing world sustainably. In a recent Future Food Cast episode, we spoke with José Joaquín Campos Arce , the CEO of the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN), who brought clarity to this complex topic. With his deep expertise and SAN’s global reach, Jose shared how organizations are uniting to transform agriculture. Here’s what stood out from our conversation—and why it matters to anyone invested in the future of food.

A Global Mission Rooted in Collaboration

Jose introduced SAN as we nicknamed it during the episode—as a global impact network connecting 33 (soon 34) organizations across four continents. Their mission? To make agriculture sustainable and equitable. What struck me most was Jose’s emphasis on “radical collaboration.” He explained that today’s challenges—like biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and farmer livelihoods—are too vast for any single entity to tackle alone. SAN’s strength lies in its ability to bridge global vision with local action, a model honed over years of evolution.

This isn’t just talk. Jose’s been at the helm since SAN shifted from a certification-focused entity—supporting Rainforest Alliance—to a broader impact network. His strategic leadership, culminating in the 2019 strategic plan and the newly approved 2025–2030 vision, has tripled membership and revenue. It’s a testament to his experience and SAN’s authoritative role in the field.

Signature Programs Driving Change

Our discussion dove into SAN’s three signature programs, each a practical example of their expertise in action:

• Terraviva: Launched in Colombia with UK DEFRA funding, this program tackles landscape-level sustainability. Jose described how it unites local stakeholders—like coffee and cacao farmers—to set shared goals, proving governance is key to territorial impact.
• Co-Ambition: For nearly a decade, SAN has partnered with corporations like Nestlé to co-design sustainability solutions. Jose highlighted how this collaborative approach—distinct from traditional consulting—helps companies meet growing consumer and regulatory demands.
• Eco-Oasis: In Malaysia, SAN works with Ferrero to enhance biodiversity in oil palm farms. By identifying pests, introducing natural enemies, and planting supportive habitats, they’re mimicking nature’s playbook—a strategy Jose says counters decades of agricultural oversimplification.

These programs aren’t theoretical. They’re grounded in real-world results, showcasing SAN’s technical know-how and ability to connect farmers, corporations, and governments.

Data as a Game-Changer

One of the most powerful takeaways from Jose was his mantra: “Data is power.” SAN’s Community-Based Monitoring and Assurance System (CBMAS) empowers local communities to track sustainability outcomes—like reducing pesticide use in organic coffee production. This data doesn’t just measure progress; it gives farmers leverage with markets and suppliers. It’s a rigorous, credible tool that underscores SAN’s trustworthiness and commitment to equitable outcomes.

A Vision for Healing the Planet

SAN’s new 2025–2030 strategic plan, finalized at Oxford University in June 2024, left us inspired. Jose articulated its vision—“healing and nourishing our extraordinary planet”—with passion. Agriculture, he noted, has been simplified at a cost to ecosystems (think pollination declines and soil exhaustion), but it’s also a massive opportunity. SAN’s response includes regional hubs, starting with Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand), to tailor solutions to local contexts. Plans for hubs in the Amazon, Mesoamerica, and Africa signal their ambitious, yet practical, approach.

Jose also introduced Friends of Sustainable Agriculture, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit chaired by industry veteran Chris Willie. It’s a chance for donors to support SAN’s work—like their April 2025 Costa Rica tour, where visitors will see sustainable cacao, coffee, and oil palm farming up close. This transparency builds trust and invites us all to wield “the power of the fork” for a healthier planet.

Why This Conversation Matters

Jose’s insights hit home: agriculture isn’t just about food production—it’s about balancing human needs with planetary health. SAN’s track record, from corporate partnerships to grassroots impact, positions it as a leader in this space. Their growth—from a certification body to a global network—reflects Jose’s strategic vision and SAN’s authoritative voice in sustainable agriculture.

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Dive Into the Episode

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