In a landmark tour, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) Trade Team from South Asia, comprising delegates from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh, alongside delegates from Nigeria in Sub-Saharan Africa, visited the heart of the U.S. soybean industry. Their journey, organized by USSEC, spanned a week and involved insightful discussions with industry leaders, hands-on farm visits in Missouri and Illinois States and participation in the highly anticipated Global U.S. Soy Summit, “Soy Connext” in San Francisco, California.

Highlights of the U.S. Soybean Industry Tour

Mr. Kevin Roepke, Regional Director for South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa, USSEC, in the beginning of the tour gave an engaging presentation outlining the team’s schedule. The program featured visits to soybean farms, grain elevator facilities in St. Louis, Missouri and Bloomington, Illinois and an exploration of river lock dam facilities. The visiting Delegation engaged directly with U.S. Soy industry leaders, gaining in-depth knowledge of the nation’s soybean value chain.

The delegation’s visit to the Cargill Grain Elevator Facility in St. Louis offered a unique opportunity to understand the large-scale operations that make U.S. soybeans a dominant force in the global market. Ms. April Sloan, Plant Manager at Cargill, provided a comprehensive tour, showcasing the latest technological innovations in grain storage and export operations.

Further enhancing the delegation’s understanding of cutting-edge agricultural practices, the team visited the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in Missouri. Here, more than 400 scientists work towards improving global nutrition through crop innovation.

Mr. Mike Manson, Development Officer at the center, led the group through the facility, introducing them to pioneering research aimed at addressing global food security challenges.

In Illinois, the delegation was welcomed by Mr. Jerry Gaffner and Mr. Scott Gaffner, third-generation farmers at Gaffner Family Farm, where they observed sustainable soybean and corn farming practices. The Gaffner family’s dedication to mechanization and environmental stewardship exemplifies the leading role of U.S. farmers in advancing sustainable agriculture.

The visit to Riddell Farm in Sparland, Illinois, continued the delegation’s immersion into advanced farming methods. Mr. Jay Riddell, a fourth-generation farmer, shared the farm’s success in utilizing mechanization to boost crop yields while prioritizing sustainability. This visit was further enriched by the participation of Ms. Eileen Pabst, International Markets Manager at the Illinois Soybean Association and Mr. Mark Read, Vice Chairman of the Global Soy Excellence Center Steering Committee, who provided valuable insights into global agricultural practices.

Global U.S. Soy Summit “SoyConnext”:
At the Global U.S. Soy Summit “Soy Connext” in San Francisco, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) hosted over 800 international buyers and sellers from 62 countries. This major event highlighted the strengths of the U.S. soybean industry, with U.S. farmers projected to produce 4.6 billion bushels of soybeans for the 2024/25 crop, marking an 11% increase from the previous year.

A key feature of the summit was the emphasis on sustainability. The Sustainable U.S. Soy (SUSS) label, which promotes products verified by the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) received significant attention.

Rosalind Leeck, USSEC Executive Director, highlighted the growing demand for the SUSS label, with 25 companies recognized at the event for their commitment to sustainability and adoption of the label. Among the recognized companies were Grupo Bios (Mexico), New Anthoney’s (South Asia), Miyoshi Foods Co. (Japan), Sajo Daerim (Korea), PT. Azaki Food Internasional (Southeast Asia), and TTET Oil Union Corp. (Taiwan). The SUSS label, now featured on over 1,000 products globally, reflects U.S. Soy’s commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship. The summit underscored the importance of collaboration and data-driven insights in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and meeting global nutritional needs.

USSEC Chair Lance Rezac remarked, “It’s truly a humbling experience to bring so many key customers from around the world together to meet with U.S. exporters and expand their understanding of the value U.S. Soy offers. Compared to recent years, the price is right for buyers to benefit from U.S. Soy’s many advantages. While soybeans are sold as a commodity oilseed, U.S. Soy is recognized for its premium quality, which enhances operational efficiencies for livestock farms, feed mills, and oil crushers, introduces better flavor profiles in the soy foods sector, and exemplifies on-farm stewardship with the lowest carbon footprint. Events like Soy Connext are essential for showcasing these strengths and fostering global collaboration.” As I reflect on Soy Connext, I’m struck by the upbeat mood among the soy trade. Prices are great for buyers now, and that was reflected in San Francisco. A sincere thank you to those who purchased U.S. Soy during Soy Connext.

We’re seeing more and more of our customers acknowledging the significant value that comes with choosing sustainable U.S. Soy for their products—and more who are recognizing the value in showing that commitment to sourcing sustainably with a consumer-facing Sustainable U.S. Soy packaging label.

During Soy Connext, U.S. soy farmers sat down to share insights about this year’s crop and talk about on-farm practices and the drivers behind their decision-making.

Ms. Anja Manuel, Cofounder and Partner of Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel LLC, at the Soy Connext Conference, gave us a glimpse of geopolitics around the world. Ms. Manuel said that it will continue to be a wild ride, but she believes our best days are still ahead of us.

A Collaborative Future:

Mr. Jim Sutter, CEO of USSEC, expressed the importance of the summit, saying, “Soy Connext serves as a platform for unveiling new data and fostering collaboration. Our technical experts help global customers understand how U.S. soy, with its superior feed conversion ratios and sustainability credentials, is an essential partner in addressing the world’s growing protein needs.”

Mr. Kevin Roepke said SoyConnext is the flagship event for the US Soybean Export Council. Our signature adjunct team tours scatter throughout the United States to showcase the sustainable soybean crop by highlighting the transportation/logistics capabilities, agronomy innovation and explains the incredible value proposition of US soy. US Soy has intrinsic characteristics which set it apart from the world like lower moisture and damage and higher digestibility and metabolizable energy.

Throughout the course of history, we’ve seen that leaning into trade has been a major impetus to achieving rapid economic growth. Moreover, the US is not only the world’s largest exporter of food but also the largest importer. This paradox highlights the need for looking at global markets to increase consumer choice and build more resilient and sustainable food supply chains” – Kevin Roepke, Regional Director- South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa (SAASSA), USSEC

Mr. Jaison John, Team Lead – India at USSEC, further elaborated on the vital role U.S. Soy can play in enhancing food security for India’s vast population amidst inflationary pressures. “Ensuring nutritional security for India’s population of 1.4 billion is a significant challenge, but U.S. Soy can be a vital partner in this effort,” he said. “With its high-quality protein and versatile food applications, U.S. Soy can enhance food security, support sustainable agriculture, empower local communities, and foster economic growth.”

Ms. Colby Pinkstone, Senior Director, Strategic Programs at US Soybean Export Council moderated one of the sessions on second day.

The delegates were able to interact with farmers to lean how this is possible and what make US soy so unique. Together, our industries were able to build stronger relationships; and by collaboration and connection at events like this, we can nourish the world.

Throughout the course of history, we’ve seen that leaning into trade has been a major impetus to achieving rapid economic growth. Moreover, the US is not only the world’s largest exporter of food but also the largest importer. This paradox highlights the need for looking at global markets to increase consumer choice and build more resilient and sustainable food supply chains”

During the event, Mr. Naveen Pasuparthy, President of the Karnataka Poultry Breeders and Farmers Association (KPBFA), signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with USSEC to promote the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) program in Karnataka State. This MOU reflects a shared commitment to enhancing global nutritional security through sustainable and innovative practices.

The Soy Excellence Center (SEC) and U.S. Soybean Export Council are already offering free online courses in India, including the SEC India Poultry Production and Management course and the Feed Milling Basic Certificate Course. These programs equip trainees with foundational knowledge and continued learning through the SEC digital platform, providing both regional and international exposure. As the poultry industry increasingly requires skilled experts, this initiative is vital in preparing the next generation to sustain and advance the sector.

At the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) Global Advisory Panel meeting, Ms. Tori Sorensen, Chairperson of SEC, welcomed the attendees, which included leadership from USSEC, state soybean associations, and SEC Regional Advisory Council members from across the globe. Mr. Mark Read, Vice Chairman of SEC, updated the panel on ongoing activities, while committee chairs reviewed the budgets allocated to SEC initiatives.

Dr. Vijay Anand, Center Lead – India, Soy Excellence Center, highlighted the SEC’s alignment with India’s “Skills India” program. Launched in January 2024, SEC in India has already introduced specialized courses in poultry, feed-milling, and soy foods, marking significant progress in industry skill development. Dr. Vijay emphasized that India’s large animal husbandry and soy foods sectors require significant workforce training, and SEC’s globally sourced expertise is helping prepare young professionals for the challenges and opportunities in these sectors.

There was Regional Panel Introduction by Center Lead, Global Advisory Panel Member and Regional Advisory Council. The meeting ended with the closing comments from Mr. Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC.

The U.S. tour and Global Soy Summit “Soy Connext” have highlighted the U.S. soybean industry’s dedication to sustainability and innovation. The insights and experiences gained are set to greatly impact efforts to promote U.S. soy in South Asia and beyond. The support and hospitality from the U.S. Soybean Export Council and the Soy Excellence Center have been invaluable, driving advancements in global nutritional security and fostering stronger international collaborations.

As the summit concluded, it became evident that international cooperation is key to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and meeting the world’s increasing protein demands. The event served as a powerful testament to the U.S. soy industry’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships.

Myself as one of the member of the South Asia delegation and the Regional Advisory Council Member of the Soy Excellence Center, this tour has deepened our understanding of the U.S. soybean industry’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global nutrition. The experiences and insights gained will have a lasting impact on our efforts to promote U.S. soy in South Asia.” My gratitude to Mr. Kevin Roepke, Regional Director for South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa; Ms. Deeba Giannoulis, Regional Head of U.S. Soy Marketing & Sustainability; Ms. Hibah Ameer, Regional Head of Communications; Mr. Jaison John, Country Lead- India; Dr. Vijay Anand, Center Lead-India, Soy Excellence Center, Mr. Pawan Kumar, Country Lead- Nepal; Mr. Saram Pokhari, Country Lead-Pakistan; Mr. Khabibur Rahman, Country Lead- Bangladesh; Dr. Khurram Shahbaz, Regional Special Projects Facilitator, South Asia, Ms. Dhanu and Mr. Tara S Rawat from USSEC India, Ms. Nikita from USSEC Dubai and all other team members of the U.S. Soybean Export Council for their efforts in highlighting the sustainability and global benefits of U.S. soy.

(Poultry Creations: A Monthly Magazine for Poultry Industry)

Aug 19, 2024, San Francisco, USA: The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)’s Soy Excellence Center (SEC) India and Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders Association (KPFBA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate work-force training and capacity building within India’s rapidly growing poultry sector.

Reflecting on the significance of this partnership, USSEC’s CEO, Jim Sutter offered, “The foundation of our success with USSEC’s Soy Excellence Centers is in collaborating with industry experts. I am confident that this MoU between USSEC and KPFBA will open new avenues of innovation, progress and productivity for India’s poultry industry.”

Economic Growth Through Skills Training and Capacity Building:

Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Skills India’ initiative, this MoU will create opportunities for young protein professionals in India to advance in their careers, have access to a global curriculum and be future-ready while producing more sustainably. With 68% of its population in the 15-64 age group,^[1] the opportunity to harness the nation’s economic dividend seems promising. Having a shared vision of developing the next generation of protein professionals, KPFBA and USSEC’s SEC MoU will lay the foundation for continuous learning, knowledge sharing and boosting the progress and economic growth of the poultry industry.

Meeting the Growing Demand for Protein:

Home to the world’s largest population, India’s poultry sector recognizes the importance of keeping pace with the rising demand for animal protein and eggs. In 2022, India’s poultry production was estimated at 4.95 million tonnes. Through this strategic partnership USSEC and KPFBA are on a mission of advancing India’s poultry industry through upskilling, skills trainings and community learning.

On signing of the MoU, Mr. Naveen Pasuparthy, President of Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders Association (KPFBA) in India added, “This MoU enables KPFBA to offer access to digital online training programs delivered by global experts reaching every nook and corner of India’s poultry and feed milling sector. These programs and the delivery mechanism will help in workforce training, upskilling and capacity-building, for India’s rapidly growing poultry and feed milling sector. KPFBA also gets the opportunity to share, design and curate new programs with USSEC that can be delivered seamlessly on such a digital platform. It’s a pleasure for KPFBA to collaborate with USSEC on such initiatives.”

Empowering the Next Generation of Protein Experts:

As a part of the MoU, USSEC’s SEC program will provide training to KFBPA members on SEC’s digital platform. Participants will also have access to SEC’s exclusive global community called SEC Pods for networking and learning. KFBPA’s members will also be able to attend in-person SEC courses.

In return, KPFBA will facilitate in promoting SEC’s training programs among its members while ensuring continuous engagement and tracking of progress. Additionally, KPFBA will also facilitate in providing access to facilities and subject matter experts for collaborative trainings of mutual interest.

Cultivating Success through Collaboration:

Since its launch earlier this year, the SEC in India has also established the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) – a panel of 14 experts that provide guidance on course content and insights about the industry’s needs. The SEC in India is rapidly gaining momentum and to date has already trained more than 600 professionals across its feed milling, poultry and soy foods tracks. These steps illustrate SEC’s role in enabling innovation and building a more food-secure India.

About Soy Excellence Center (SEC): 

The Soy Excellence Centers (SEC), an initiative by the USSEC, focuses on skills building of early-to-mid career protein professionals in growing markets through world-class workforce training and professional development to help meet local nutrition and food security needs and support sustainable economic growth. USSEC is collaborating with diverse partners, including local food and agriculture universities and organizations, to deliver training in five core subject areas – aquaculture, feed, food, poultry, and swine. USSEC operates Soy Excellence Centers in four regional hubs – the Americas, Asia, Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

For more information, please visit: www.soyexcellence.org

About the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC):

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) focuses on differentiating, elevating preference, and attaining market access for the use of U.S. Soy for human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed in 80+ countries internationally. USSEC members represent the soy supply chain including U.S. Soy farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses, and agricultural organizations. USSEC is funded by the U.S. soybean checkoff, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service matching funds, and industry. Visit ussec.org for the latest information and news about USSEC and U.S. Soy internationally.

About Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders Association:

Born in 1991, KPFBA is a not-for-profit association of all poultry farming and feed milling communities in the state of Karnataka, India. It’s an apex body representing the poultry sector to the state and federal government with active involvement in the government’s policy formation for the sector. KPFBA and Karnataka Veterinary, Animal & Fisheries Sciences University established Poultry Training & Diagnostic Laboratory offering free services to the poultry farmers and breeders, addressing pathology, microbiology and nutrition. KPFBA conducts regular education and training programs for the poultry sector, state and federal government machinery as well. Associating with farmers, businesses, educational institutions, research organizations and other stakeholders both within the state, across India and overseas, enhancing information flow.  KPFBA undertakes surveys, studies and research projects. It also engages in national and international exhibitions, enters into MOUs with the government, educational institutions, skills development nonprofit organizations etc which may benefit the poultry sector. In 2018 and 2022, KPFBA was recognized as one of India’s premier poultry associations by the Indian Poultry Journalists Association. In 2015, Poultry Fortune, a leading poultry magazine recognized KPFBA as the “Best Poultry Promotion Award,” for outstanding contributions to the poultry sector.

(Source: https://ussec.org/)