U.S. Soy Launches The Pilot Phase Of Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy Mark

Rhea-AI Summary

The United Soybean Board (USB) is launching a pilot program from January 19 to March 19, 2021, in collaboration with Soylent and DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences to promote the Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark. This mark signifies soy ingredients that adhere to sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing consumer trust in U.S. soy products. Notably, consumer surveys indicate that nearly 70% would prefer products marked as sustainably grown. Following the pilot, USB will expand the mark's availability to interested companies, aiming to boost demand for responsibly grown U.S. soy.

Positive

• Partnership with Soylent and DuPont to enhance product sustainability.
• Consumer survey indicates 70% likelihood of preference for sustainably marked products.
• Encourages sustainable farming practices and responsible labor.

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• None.

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Whatever you make, U.S. Soy makes you more sustainable. That is why the food industry is innovating to improve sustainability in their product supply chains from farm to fork. By labeling soy ingredients with the new Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark, you are recognizing that those soybeans originated from a system of continuous environmental improvement.

From January 19 through March 19, the United Soybean Board (USB) is teaming up with partners from Soylent and DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences that will be participating in a pilot program to market their products and ingredients as being made with Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy.

"DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences is proud to partner with USB and Soylent in developing the Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark, which represents the many ways that U.S. growers are working to ensure that U.S. soy sets the global benchmark for sustainable plant protein production," says Tony Andrew, Protein Solutions Business Unit Leader at DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences.

The new mark denotes agricultural practices, such as no-till and cover crops, that deliver sustainable outcomes in biodiversity, soil carbon, water management, and overall soil conservation. U.S. Soy delivers the food industry a quality ingredient to help them meet their sustainability goals by prioritizing soil health and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy usage. 

Customers can be assured that products carrying the mark contain soy ingredients that:

• Were grown in the United States
• Are compliant with all U.S. environmental regulations
• Protect highly erodible soils and wetlands
• Were grown on family farms with responsible labor practices

"It's an honor to be one of the first companies to receive the Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark. For years, we have created market-leading products rooted in science and sustainability, so it was important to us to be a part of this pilot," says Demir Vangelov, CEO of Soylent.

Across the U.S., soybean farmers like Belinda Burrier are focused on being good stewards of natural resources and have been utilizing sustainable practices on their farms for years. "It feels good knowing that when I grow this nutrient-dense protein, I am not only helping the food industry feed millions of families across the country sustainably but also contributing to a cleaner planet for the next generation," said Burrier.

Sustainable ingredients won't just help food companies and industrial partners to meet their sustainability goals, but their business goals, too as consumer preference for sustainable, U.S. grown products continues to increase. According to USB's 27^th annual Food Industry Insights survey, when a product is associated with the Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark, the majority (nearly 70%) of consumers familiar with sustainable farming said they would be more likely to purchase the product – showing a strong correlation between the mark and consumer sales. The mark also assures customers that soy used in ingredients was grown in the U.S. on family farms with responsible labor practices and is compliant with all U.S. environmental regulations.

After the pilot program, USB anticipates making the mark available to other interested companies. Requests to use the Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark will be accepted through a USB managed portal. To participate, the customer will provide an overview of their supply chain which will be reviewed by a third-party auditor. The percentage of soy used by end product will be measured and applied against supply standards on a mass balance basis. The Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark is based on a national system of sustainability and conservation laws and regulations and farmer participation in the U.S. Farm Program. It seeks to increase demand for soybeans grown by U.S. farmers that commit to practices such as conservation tillage, cover crops and responsible nutrient management (e.g. right source, right rate, right time, and right place). The Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark applies to those soybean acres grown under best practices on-farm.

To learn more about the Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark, or interested in applying to use the mark on your own ingredients and products, visit www.sustainableussoymark.com.

About United Soybean Board
United Soybean Board's 78 volunteer farmer-directors work on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers to achieve maximum value for their soy checkoff investments. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds in programs and partnerships to drive soybean innovation beyond the bushel and increase preference for U.S. soy. That preference is based on U.S. soybean meal and oil quality and the sustainability of U.S. soybean farmers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff. For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit unitedsoybean.org. For more information on U.S. Soy, visit www.ussoy.org.

About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and wellness, food, and worker safety. More information can be found at www.dupont.com/. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.

About DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences
DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences applies expert science to advance market-driven, healthy and sustainable solutions for the food, beverage, dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industries. We also use cutting-edge biotechnology across a range of markets to advance bio-based solutions to meet the needs of a growing population, while protecting our environment for future generations. We are innovative solvers who help our customers turn challenges into high-value business opportunities. For more information: www.dupontnutritionandbiosciences.com. 

About Soylent   
Soylent, founded in 2013, is a pioneer in food technology and produces delicious, functionally complete foods that are good for the body and the planet. The company was quick to become a disruptor and a driver in the Food and Beverage world. Soylent is on a mission to provide complete, sustainable nutrition that is accessible, appealing and affordable. Its line of plant-based products are formulated to provide a complete array of protein, vitamins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates that the body needs to thrive in convenient formats. The Company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. For additional information please visit www.Soylent.com. 

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SOURCE U.S. Soy

FAQ

What is the Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark?

The Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark indicates soy ingredients that come from practices ensuring environmental sustainability.

Which companies are involved in the pilot program for the Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark?

The pilot program includes Soylent and DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, in collaboration with the United Soybean Board.

How long will the pilot program for the Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark run?

The pilot program runs from January 19 to March 19, 2021.

What percentage of consumers prefer sustainably grown products?

According to USB's survey, nearly 70% of consumers familiar with sustainable farming prefer products carrying the Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark.

How can companies apply to use the Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark?

Companies interested in using the mark must submit an overview of their supply chain for review through a USB managed portal.