March 10, 2016
Sustainable US soy approved by European Feed Manufacturers'' Federation
The US Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) was positively benchmarked against the European Feed Manufacturers'' Federation''s (FEFAC) Soy Sourcing Guidelines via the independent International Trade Centre (ITC) customised benchmark tool on March 8, 2016, a press release by the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) announced.
"This is yet another step in the right direction for the US soyindustry," said Laura Foell, chair of USSEC. "The SSAP is a commitment to the future by US soybean farmers. Because sustainability''s fundamental principle is continuous improvement, the SSAP is constantly evolving. We look forward to continuing to supply the EU and countries around the world with healthy, sustainable soybeans from US farmers."
FEFAC''s Soy Sourcing Guidelines seek to facilitate mainstream market supply for soy, which is produced in accordance with baseline environmental and social criteria. The independent ITC benchmarking provides transparency to interested EU feed associations and member companies who wish to make further progress toward the mainstream market transition for the supply of sustainably produced soy to the EU feed sector.
USSEC, together with members of the US soy family, developed the SSAP in 2013.
The protocol helps to ensure that US soy is produced following a strong set of conservation regulations combined with wide adoption of best management practices by a majority of US farmers.
The methodologies for measuring sustainable performance are thorough and transparent, based on USDA data. The SSAP verifies that USsoy is sustainably produced and aims to meet growing consumer demand for environmentally, socially and economically produced commodities.
The protocol covers four key components including sound environmental objectives, social responsibility, conservation focused management practices and continuous improvement.
This crop year, over three million tonnes, equivalent to 110.22 million bushels, of US soy have been exported and certified under the SSAP programme.