SSGA, WISHH meet to discuss shared interests

The executive committees of the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance and the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) met on Monday, March 20, on Zoom to discuss joint projects and their shared interests in promoting human nutrition and intermodal transport.  

The two groups were joined by ASA CEO Steve Censky, ASA/WISHH Executive Director Liz Hare and SSGA Executive Director Eric Wenberg. 

SSGA has been supporting WISHH, providing data for various projects. SSGA also has much to learn from WISHH about how it is promoting new business strategies and using online collaboration tools in its market promotions. 

SSGA Chair Bob Sinner noted connecting WISHH’s work to business is an area he wants to support. 

“SSGA and WISHH had a good meeting to discuss opportunities to collaborate and work together,” said Sinner of North Dakota-based SB&B Foods. “WISHH has done an excellent job defining its soybean industry lane, creating activities and realizing meaningful successes. We are impressed with their work. In many ways, there are a lot of synergies in what we are each doing to create demand in a specific segment approach, while at the same time, appreciating the importance of strategic partnerships to grow our industry. I really liked the attitude and willingness to continue our dialogue.” 

WISHH Chair Gerry Hayden of Kentucky has devoted years and boundless energy to supporting soy exports through WISHH and was interested in developing further alliance partnerships.  

“New and innovative strategic partnerships both at home and abroad are a key part of WISHH’s new strategic plan,” Hayden said. “I’m so pleased with our dialogue with SSGA and look forward to building more new markets for U.S. soy together.” 

The two groups discussed the current crisis in intermodal shipping that U.S. companies are facing and how that impacts moving container shipments abroad.  

SSGA Vice-Chair Rob Prather of Iowa-based Global Processing stressed that we must continue expanding educational offerings to our customers and partners, focusing first on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) as it relates to pricing levels and purchase timing. 

WISHH is doing that through its business mentorships. WISHH is also seeking more input and support about how to break down buyers’ resistance to making first-time purchases of U.S. soy. 

“Collaboration between WISHH and SSGA collaboration combines shared directives,” Prather said, “and I’m excited to see where the opportunities lead.”