U.S. farmers rank as the most trusted members of the supply chain when it comes to ensuring its safety, taking the top spot in 78% of consumers responses, according to a consumer survey released by the United Soybean Board.
In addition to food safety, the effort and care taken by U.S. farmers to remain leaders in reliable, nutrient-dense and sustainable soy, has not gone unnoticed by consumers.
According to survey responses:
- The vast majority of consumers, 79%, have a very/somewhat positive view of U.S. farmers who grow crops, including soybeans.
- Soy is seen as healthy (60%) or neutral (26%) by most consumers.
- Two-thirds (66%) of consumers felt more positive about soy protein and soybean oil as an ingredient in many food products after reading about the sustainability of soybeans.
The majority of U.S. soybean farmers already implement conservation practices, and this positive consumer attitude reflects how they have gained and maintained consumer trust when it comes to sustainability and regenerative agriculture
“We have successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 38% per metric ton since 1980 but recognize that our contribution cannot stop there,” noted David Iverson, USB Sustainability Target Area coordinator and soybean farmer from South Dakota.
“We employ new production practices to continuously advance sustainability efforts, with a goal of growing 70% more food by 2050 to feed our rising population, expected to increase by 2 billion people over the next 30 years.”
With heightened demand for both nutritious and sustainable ingredients, paired with a growing interest in plant-based proteins, it seems to already be resonating with consumers that soy protein is unique from most other plant-based protein sources. What sets it apart is its high-quality “complete” protein, comparable to the protein found in meat, poultry and seafood. U.S. Soy continues to focus on ensuring that all forms of U.S. protein, whether animal- or plant-based, remain the preferred global choice to meet future demand and nutritional requirements of a growing population.
Operating at the intersection of environmental and nutritional wellness, U.S. soy growers recognize their responsibility and opportunity to make a positive impact for the future of food.
