SSGA goes to Kathmandu

SSGA participated virtually in a U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)-organized “Soy Protein and Health” seminar in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 13. More than 70 representatives from Nepal’s soy food and feed industries, as well as Nepali government officials, attended the well-received seminar.

The Soy Protein and Health Seminar was held in Kathmandu on April 13. Photo courtesy of U.S. Soybean Export Council.

The seminar featured a video presentation from SSGA Executive Director Eric Wenberg, who underscored the economic, quality and sustainability advantages of U.S. Identity Preserved (IP) soybeans. The presentation included critical information from SSGA’s research demonstrating that a 40 million liter/year soymilk plant could import 700 tons less soya by shifting from 36% protein non-IP beans to 44% protein IP soy, resulting in major savings in shipping costs and strain on processing equipment.

SSGA South Asia Technical Adviser Philip Shull joined the seminar to answer questions. Several soy food processors expressed interest in obtaining assistance from SSGA on exporting processed soy foods made from U.S. IP soy to India and other regional markets. Unlike India, where U.S. whole soybeans are still banned, Nepal is an active importer of U.S. soybeans. SSGA plans team up with USSEC to participate in person in follow-up promotional events in Nepal and India later this year.