U.S. Soy Builds Global Trust Through Quality, Sustainability, and Education

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The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), with continued support from the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), is strengthening the global presence of U.S. Soy by promoting its consistent quality, sustainability, and strategic value to international customers.

At the core of USSEC’s efforts lies a powerful mission: to build trust. This trust is cultivated through close collaboration with stakeholders across the global soy supply chain, combining hands-on support with long-term strategic insight. Through these efforts, U.S. Soy continues to be a preferred choice for global partners seeking reliable, high-quality products.

In the 2023/24 marketing year, U.S. Soy exports totaled 60.8 million metric tons (MMT), reaching a value of $31.2 billion. This includes Illinois soybeans, which play a critical role in global supply. “Those numbers reflect more than just trade, they reflect trust,” said Ron Kindred, Chairman of the ISA. “Our global customers return to U.S. Soy not only for its consistent quality, but because they know they can rely on our growers, our values, and our commitment to sustainability.”

Among the highlights of the year was a record-setting performance in soybean meal exports, which reached 14.4 MMT valued at $6.7 billion—further proof of the growing international demand for U.S. Soy products.

Advancing Global Sustainability Efforts

Sustainability remains a key pillar of USSEC’s mission. The U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) continues to lead the way in verifying sustainable production practices. In 2023/24, more than 40.5 MMT of U.S. Soy products were exported with SSAP certification, covering approximately two-thirds of all U.S. Soy exports.

“Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment we live out every day on our farms,” noted Jeff O’Connor, ISA At-Large Director. “The SSAP gives our international customers confidence that U.S. Soy is responsibly grown, and it helps us show the real impact we’re making on soil health, water quality, and carbon reduction.”

Now, SSAP certificates are even more powerful—carrying carbon footprint data derived from life cycle assessments via the Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI). USSEC is the first organization globally to integrate GFLI datasets in this manner, providing essential support for Scope 3 emissions reporting and sustainability benchmarking.

Complementing these efforts are USSEC’s product labels—Sustainable U.S. Soy and Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy—which clearly identify products made with SSAP-verified soy. Today, over 1,120 products from 123 companies in 19 countries carry these labels, symbolizing the growing global recognition of U.S. Soy’s sustainable value.

Empowering the Next Generation Through the Soy Excellence Centers

In partnership with Qualified State Soybean Boards (QSSBs), USSEC is also driving the future of protein through its Soy Excellence Center (SEC) program. Designed to educate and empower early- to mid-career professionals in emerging markets, the SEC offers professional development and training in areas such as aquaculture, poultry, feed milling, and food production.

“As a farmer, I’ve always believed that education is one of the strongest investments we can make,” said Mark Read, ISA District 5 Director and GAP Chairman. “The Soy Excellence Centers are building a more connected, knowledgeable global industry—one that understands the value of high-quality, sustainably grown U.S. Soy.”

With demand for protein continuing to rise, the SEC program is playing a pivotal role in ensuring global food security, enhancing local capacity, and expanding the reach of U.S. Soy around the world.