Realizing that responsible stewardship of environment, safety, and health (ESH) concerns is an area where Monsanto outperforms its rivals in Brazil, a cross-functional team developed programs to maintain this ESH lead, to spread good practices among employees, and to communicate these safety practices to customers and the public.

The team standardized the safety information provided to field sales representatives and customers. It also made understanding and compliance with handling, toxicity, package disposal, and emergency procedures part of the qualification program for distributors.

In addition, the team hosts semi-annual gatherings of large companies at the São José dos Campos manufacturing site. At these meetings, participants learn about environmental protection equipment and about safe methods for Roundup agricultural herbicide preparation and product application. Attendees also learn about toxicity and proper package disposal. All empty packages are sent to the National Institute for Empty Package Processing.

More than 170,000 customers and distributors were trained in good stewardship practices in 2006. ESH training was provided to 780 distribution and warehouse workers. Overall, more than 200 client companies participated in the forums. The team’s efforts have also increased the rate of package recycling — from 35 percent in 1997 to 82 percent in 2006.