Myanmar importers participate in SSGA U courses

SSGA University held its first in-person class on May 3, as a group sponsored by ASA WISHH (World Initiative for Soy in Human Health) gathered in a hotel meeting room in Myanmar to take the first of two courses.

More than 30 people representing tofu and soymilk companies, importers, food science technologists and food science university faculty met in person, while others joined online to complete SSGA U’s Getting on the IP Highway class.

On May 10, the group gathered again to take the Value of Using Identity Preserved Soybeans: Soymilk & Tofu course.

SSGA staff ran the classes virtually, presented additional information, including information on the U.S. Identity Preserved assurance plan and brand mark, and answered questions about IP crops from the U.S. WISHH staff organized the event at the site and arranged translation services.

“This was the first time we had a large group take the SSGA University courses together, and it was a very successful educational event,” said Shane Frederick, SSGA manager of strategic programs. “I believe we’re just scratching the surface of the programming and information this platform can provide to potential buyers of identity preserved field crops from the United States and many others interested in the U.S. IP system.”

Some of the Myanmar participants used the courses as a primer, as they will be traveling to the United States with WISHH next month for Northern Crops Institutes’ Food Grade Soybean Procurement Course. Their participation in the SSGA-supported course will include participation in SSGA’s Fork to Farm Day event on June 10 in Elk River, Minnesota.

SSGA launched SSGA University in November 2021, providing online learning modules on the U.S. Identity Preserved system as well as the benefit of using IP crops in different food manufacturing.

To take an SSGA University course or for more information on the course offerings, please visit ssga-university.thinkific.com. If you are an international buyer, please reach out to SSGA first at info@soyagrainsalliance.org to see if you are eligible for a discount.