Tarik Eluri, sustainability manager at the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), a founding member of the U.S. Sustainability Alliance (USSA), recently discussed U.S. sustainable agriculture with Spain’s Fundación Antama – a non-profit that promotes new technologies for agrifood and the environment. The conversation focused on USSA’s mission and the U.S. soy industry, including the evolution of sustainability and the role of technology and innovation. Check out Tarik’s interview for more details.
Can you give us a brief introduction to the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)?
The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is a farmer-led, non-profit organization that promotes the global demand for U.S. soy and soy products. Working in partnership with soybean farmers and the industry, USSEC is dedicated to market development, trade advocacy, trade servicing, and technical support. It builds relationships with global soybean stakeholders, provides information and assistance, and promotes U.S. soy in various applications, significantly contributing to the success and expansion of the U.S. soybean industry.
What is USSA, and what is its mission?
The U.S. Sustainability Alliance (USSA) is a united voice for sustainable food and agricultural production in the U.S. Representing 27 farming, fishery, and forestry associations and supply chain partners [note: since the interview was published, USSA’s membership has grown to 28], USSA aims to share knowledge about sustainable production practices in the U.S. with international counterparts. It represents a diverse range of commodities, including sweet potatoes, seafood, and soybeans, and seeks to demonstrate U.S. agriculture’s commitment to sustainability.
How do U.S. producers advance sustainability?
U.S. producers advance sustainability through various initiatives. For example, the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) is a framework designed to assess and verify the sustainability of soybean production. It incorporates environmental, social, and economic criteria to ensure responsible farming practices. Farmers participating in the SSAP undergo third-party audits to verify compliance with sustainability criteria such as land use, water quality, and biodiversity. Additionally, USSEC partners with the U.S. Sustainability Alliance to promote sustainable production practices and share these practices with international counterparts.
What are the main markets for U.S. soybeans?
U.S. soybeans have diverse applications, with major markets in animal feed, human food, and oil production. A significant portion of U.S. soybeans is processed into soybean meal, a key ingredient in livestock and poultry feed, making animal agriculture a primary market. Additionally, soybeans are crushed to extract soybean oil, used in cooking, food products, and industrial applications. U.S. soybeans are also used in human food products such as tofu, soy milk, and edamame. The versatility of soybeans contributes to their widespread use across various sectors.
How have sustainability measures evolved over the past 15-20 years or so?
Over the past four decades, U.S. soybean production has made significant strides toward sustainability. Farming practices have evolved to embrace conservation and environmental management. Precision agriculture techniques, such as GPS-guided equipment and variable rate technology, have been adopted to optimize resource use and minimize environmental impact. Conservation tillage and cover cropping have become widespread, promoting soil health and reducing erosion. The introduction of genetically modified (GM) soybean varieties has facilitated more efficient pest management, reducing the need for chemical inputs. These collective efforts have contributed to a more sustainable trajectory for U.S. soybean production.
What role do technology and innovation play in advancing sustainable agriculture?
Modern farming practices leverage various technologies to enhance sustainability. Precision agriculture integrates GPS and sensors to efficiently manage crop variability. This allows farmers to apply fertilizers, pesticides, and water precisely where and when they are needed, optimizing resource use and minimizing over-application in specific field conditions. Genetically modified (GM) crops, designed to resist pests or tolerate specific herbicides, contribute to more efficient and targeted agrochemical use. Biological control strategies and integrated pest management (IPM) reduce reliance on chemical pesticides by incorporating natural predators, pheromones, and crop rotation. Remote sensing technologies, including drones and satellite imagery, provide real-time data on crop health, facilitating early pest and disease detection and minimizing the need for broad-spectrum chemicals. Smart irrigation systems, guided by soil moisture sensors, optimize water use.
Source: La Fundación Antama (published with permission)