The U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) hits 100 million metric tons cumulative exports milestone, and is recognized by the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee as compliant with the sustainable sourcing code for agricultural products.
Our growing world demands food and feed sustainability, and verified sustainable U.S. Soy provides the solution.
“The Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) certified soybean oil imported from the U.S. has been used as a concrete release agent for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic main stadium and relevant facilities,” said Saitama Ryokoku Company, a grain and feed wholesaler in Japan. “Interest toward environmentally-friendly initiatives and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is increasing in Japan, and we will continue to supply SSAP certified soybean oil and soybeans in our sales activities to add value to our customers.”
In 2014, only 6,845 metric tons of sustainable U.S. Soy were shipped with a SSAP certificate. However, the adoption of the SSAP has grown exponentially since its inception with 65 U.S. exporters issuing SSAP certificates for 25.8 million metric tons of U.S. Soy in the 2021 marketing year, and cumulatively 100 million metric tons from 2014-21. USSEC’s reporting found that the North Asia and Europe regions request a SSAP verified certificate for nearly 100% of their purchases.
“As consumer consciousness about health, the environment, and the need to meet global nutrition and food security continue to drive demand for nutritious and sustainable protein, the U.S. SSAP enables our global food, feed, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and retail sector customers with verified high quality and sustainable U.S. Soy.” said Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC).
The U.S. Soy industry, i.e. U.S. soybean farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied food and agriculture organizations – working together alongside non-governmental organizations (NGOs), jointly developed the independently audited SSAP to back up U.S. soybean farmers’ commitment to sustainability. Each year, U.S. soy farmers perform an internal audit which is reviewed by third-party, independent audits conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The SSAP outlines and measures biodiversity, sustainable production practices, public and labor health, and continuous improvement of practices.
With a goal of advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games formulated the Tokyo 2020 Sustainable Sourcing Code. This effort encourages sustainability throughout the supply chains of products and services the Games procures, defining the individual criteria for the sourcing of timber, agricultural products, livestock products, fishery products, paper, and palm oil.
“U.S. Soy farmers have pursued sustainable practices for decades for the benefit of their businesses, the planet and our society as a whole,” said Polly Ruhland, CEO of the United Soybean Board. “It’s farmers innate stewardship to grow more with less and sustain their land and soils for the next generation. The milestone of 100 million metric tons of SSAP verified shipments is proof of how our farmers are striving to be global leaders in sustainability. The Olympic games provide an international stage to demonstrate how U.S. Soy farmers and industry embrace climate smart agriculture to further increase sustainability.”
Along with the Tokyo Olympic Procurement Committee, the U.S. SSAP is widely recognized and positively benchmarked with the European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC) Soy Sourcing Guidelines, the Consumer Goods Forum, and the Global Seafood Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices.
“America’s soybean growers are dedicated to the sustainability of our environment, society, and economy. The SSAP is a vital part of this commitment and, as a result, continues to gain global food industry and institutional recognition,” said Stephen Censky, CEO of the American Soybean Association.
As part of U.S. Soy’s role as a leader in global sustainable food and agriculture practices, USSEC led a global stakeholder engagement process to prioritize economic, social, and environmental aspects for ensuring future global success of sustainable U.S. Soy. These priorities were then mapped to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The areas identified where U.S. Soy has the greatest impact in supporting progress toward global sustainable development are: #SDG2 Zero Hunger, #SDG6 Clean Water and Sanitation, #SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production, #SDG13 Climate Action, #SDG15Life on Land, and #SDG17 Partnerships.
Read more about the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP).
