The U.S. Soybean Export Council, or U.S. Soy, is seeking to position itself as a leader in sustainable, regenerative agriculture, with its U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP), originally developed in 2012, ensuring that soybean exports from the United States adhere to environmental and social sustainability protocols.
As of last year, U.S. Soy updated the SSAP to incorporate stronger protections for natural habitats, labour and employee standards, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights, as well as updating conservation practices to optimise crop yield while minimising environmental impact. SSAP-verified shipments now account for 71% of total U.S. soy exports, with the ‘Sustainable U.S. Soy’ and ‘Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy’ labels now recognised in 20 countries.
U.S. Soy has set a series of 2030 targets, including a 10% reduction in land use impact and energy use, and a 25% reduction in soil erosion, as part of its long-term commitment to sustainability. At the same time, the group is conscious of the socio-political shifts taking place in both its home market and internationally, and is positioning itself to ensure it can continue to thrive, both economically and environmentally.
SustainabilityOnline caught up with Abby Rinne, director of sustainability at the U.S. Soybean Export Council.
How does the Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) provide a competitive advantage for both U.S. farmers and the U.S. in general in international markets?
The SSAP provides assurance for U.S. Soy customers that the product they are buying is verified sustainable by an independent third party. U.S. Soy exports shipped with an SSAP certificate may be transferred up to four times along the soy value chain, enabling buyers to deliver in response to increasing demand for sustainably sourced products.
An increase in global demand for sustainable U.S. Soy benefits U.S. soybean farmers and aligns with their commitment to producing sustainable, high quality soy.
U.S. Soy has sought to assist farmers with the transition to regenerative agriculture – what have been some quick wins and what has been harder to implement?
U.S. soybean farmers have been focused on sustainable farming practices – many of which are also regenerative agriculture practices – for decades.
Some 95% of U.S. farms are family-owned, and these farmers have a deep commitment to stewarding and preserving the land they farm for the next generation, and to help sustainably support global nutrition security for a growing global population.
For regenerative agriculture and other sustainable farming practices to gain traction, they need to have proven financial benefits for those involved. What additional revenue and cost-saving opportunities have U.S. Soy’s programmes been able to unlock?
As the international marketing arm for U.S. Soy, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) supports the sustainable farming practices of U.S. soybean farmers by working in over 90 markets worldwide to differentiate the quality, value and sustainability of U.S. Soy from other nutrition and energy products, which helps create more opportunities to drive revenue for farmers.
Additionally, USSEC collaborates with partners across the U.S. supply chain to elevate a preference and attain market access for U.S. Soy products globally.
What factors are driving the increasing demand for sustainably sourced soy in international markets?
Increased consumer awareness and preference for sustainably grown and sourced products is a key factor in driving increased demand for sustainable U.S. Soy globally.
Economic growth in emerging markets and an increase in consumer demand for protein are driving demand in diverse markets, including Vietnam, Venezuela, Indonesia, Costa Rica and Sri Lanka.
Do you think the general public appreciate/understand the benefits of sustainable soy, and what efforts has U.S. Soy made to engage them on this?
The USSEC has a global team working to elevate a preference, attain market access and differentiate the quality and sustainability of U.S. Soy worldwide. USSEC’s many awareness initiatives, including six regional Soy Excellence Centers – which partner with local industry to train and develop the next generation of soy industry professionals – are educating businesses about the value and benefits of U.S. Soy.
The ‘Sustainable U.S. Soy’ and ‘Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy’ product packaging labels specifically communicate to international consumers that the soy in the products they are buying was grown sustainably. The labels are currently featured on over 1,120 products across 20 countries.
U.S. Soy has set ambitious 2030 targets. In what areas will the most investment be required in order to achieve these, and why?
By 2030, U.S. soybean farmers aim to reduce land impact by 10%, reduce soil erosion by 25%, reduce energy use by 10%, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5%.
A strong focus on collaboration and leveraging research, outreach and measurements help support the efficiency of reaching these goals in the interest of sustainable farming.
The Trump administration has pledged support for the farming community, yet at the same time aims to revoke federal spending for sustainability-oriented programmes. How is U.S. Soy positioning itself for this situation?
U.S. soybean farmers have been committed to stewarding the land they farm through sustainable practices for many decades. Protecting and nurturing the biodiversity of agricultural land remains a significant priority for U.S. Soy farmers.
In the last 40 years, U.S. Soy farmers have increased crop yield by 130% while achieving 48% land use efficiency improvement, 46% energy use improvement, 43% greenhouse gas emissions efficiency improvement and 34% soil conservation improvement. They actively implement regenerative agriculture practices including cover crops, diverse crop rotation, conservation tillage or no till, intercropping, conservation buffer strips, and hedgegrows.
As the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals loom into view, what role can the international soy community play in accelerating the global food/farming industry towards a positive outcome?
Through the SSAP, soybean farmers are actively helping to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a priority focus on SDG 2 – Zero Hunger. Soybeans play a crucial role in delivering high-quality, reliable, sustainable protein essential for alleviating hunger. U.S. soybean farmers’ commitment to climate-smart farming practices, as outlined in the 2030 sustainability goals, support the goal to end hunger.
Additionally, sustainable farming goals help support goals SDG16 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 17 (Partnerships).
Learn more about the U.S. Soybean Export Council at www.ussec.org.
