The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is hosting more than 400 international buyers from 62 countries at the Soy Connext summit in San Francisco this week, amid projections of a robust 4.6 billion bushel soybean crop for the 2024/25 marketing year. The summit aims to highlight the distinct advantages of U.S. Soy compared to other global sources.
USSEC Chair Lance Rezac emphasized the strategic importance of the gathering, noting, "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."
The conference features discussions on how U.S. Soy can enhance operational efficiencies across various industries—from livestock farming to oil crushing—and its lower carbon footprint, positioning it as a premium agricultural product.
Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO, shared insights into new data demonstrating significant economic benefits for international buyers. "Based on our modeling, livestock farms using 100% U.S. soybeans can unlock $3 million in profits by improving feed conversion ratios," said Sutter. This modeling is based on a broiler operation producing 50 million chickens annually.
The event also focuses on sustainability, a key component of U.S. Soy's market appeal. USSEC recently introduced the option for international buyers to include carbon footprint data on their Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) certificates, reflecting the soy's environmental impact.
Additionally, the Sustainable U.S. Soy (SUSS) label, which identifies products made with sustainably sourced U.S. Soy, is gaining traction globally. This label is now featured on over 1,000 products worldwide, signaling a strong commitment to sustainable practices.
"Soy Connext is not just a meeting place but a launchpad for fostering deeper commercial relationships and reinforcing the superior quality and sustainability of U.S. Soy on the global stage," concluded Rosalind Leeck, USSEC executive director of market access and strategy.
