The ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health program welcomed its largest trade team of the summer to the Northern Crops Institute’s INTSOY program last week. Business leaders from sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia joined the trade team to get an overview of the U.S. soy industry in the United States. This year’s INTSOY trade was unique in that it welcomed members who are long time buyers of U.S. soy while also encompassing members who are new connections and potential partners of WISHH.
“The way the program is designed is really helpful because you understand the importance of the science behind soy for both humans,” said Gladys Rwagatore. Rwagatore is a new connection for WISHH from the East African country of Burundi. Her company fortifies plant proteins, including soy, into cereals for malnourished children and pregnant and nursing women.
“Learning about the diverse uses for soy, seeing soy in action with millers, equipment, and processing plants really opens your eyes,” continued Rwagatore.
The group consisted of both food and feed companies from three different continents. In addition to visits to soybean processing facilities and hands-on experiments, the group also visited a soybean farm to learn about sustainably grown U.S. soy.
“Sustainability was definitely a large part of the trip,” added Rwagatore. “Frankly, that is the beauty of soy for me, that is offers such good protein value and is sustainably grown.”
WISHH committee member and United Soybean Board Director Dawn Scheier also stopped by the for a leg of the trip to greet the group. Scheier, a soybean grower from South Dakota, offered her appreciation for the current and potential WISHH partners on the trade team. She noted that experiencing WISHH’s trade teams helps companies understand the value of U.S. soy for their businesses.
“These trade teams show how WISHH is helping established companies and potential partners build on technical knowledge of soy for food and feed applications,” said Scheier.