Member profile: Jordan Atchison, PURIS Grains

As if coaching his two kids in baseball, softball, basketball, track & field, volleyball and flag football doesn’t sound like an overflowing plate, Jordan Atchison still manages to find time in the day to dedicate to a job he’s grown a passion for.

Jordan Atchison

Atchison joined PURIS Grains in 2006 straight out of college. Nearly 20 years later, he currently serves as the company’s president.

“I did not envision a career in agriculture, but I was offered an entry-level position that would allow me to learn all aspects of the business, like R&D (research and development), quality assurance, operations, logistics and grower relations,” Atchison said. “It allowed me to learn using a hands-on approach by experience, which was important for the development of a diverse skillset.”

Founded in 1985 and based in Randolph, Minn., PURIS is a family-owned company offering a range of organic and non-GMO soy products alongside its well-known pea protein portfolio. It prides itself on controlling the quality of soybeans from seed to shelf through an internal breeding program focused on developing food-grade, non-GMO soybeans. PURIS Grains became an SSGA member in 2023 after witnessing its work with international markets and expediting the phytosanitary process.

“We use the expedited phytosanitary cert program for export shipments and customer samples on a weekly basis, and it has really saved us a ton of time,” Atchison said. “I cannot explain enough how much time this has saved us to date. We are also now U.S. Identity Preserved-certified at our Minnesota soy facility, which speaks to our work and commitment to our quality of finish products.”

As an SSGA member, Atchison accompanied SSGA and two other natto suppliers on a trip to Japan in early May, giving him the opportunity to connect with other suppliers in the industry, along with USDA, U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and representatives from the Federation of Japan Natto Manufacturers. Atchison believes the partnership with PURIS and SSGA will only continue to flourish.

“I’m looking forward to a continued discussion and open dialogue regarding natto, sprouting, tofu, soymilk and miso supply from the United States and how to grow and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. and other Asian/Southeast Asian countries using non-GMO soy for further food manufacturing,” Atchison said. “As a soybean breeder, creating new varieties of soybeans in several locations year over year, I believe we can add much more value for SSGA, its members and customers. Overall, the relationship with SSGA has been very beneficial and PURIS is looking forward to growing the relationship as we head into the future.”