U.S. Identity Preserved shines in Nepal

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A delegation representing SSGA and U.S. Identity Preserved helped make history in Nepal in September.

Not only did they award a certificate to Shree Radne Rani International Trading, one of the first international companies to use the U.S. Identity Preserved brand mark on their retail packaging and marketing materials, SSGA also made inroads with other soy food manufacturers during retail market visits and at the U.S. Identity Preserved International Workshop.

The SSGA delegation, which included Manager of Strategic Programs Shane Frederick, IP Technical Consultant Rob Prather, Minnesota farmer Tom Frisch and SSGA’s South Asia Technical Advisor Philip Shull, visited several soy food manufacturers and retail markets where they saw U.S. identity preserved soybeans used in various soy snacks such as fried and roasted snack mixes, soy nuts, tofu, soy flour and more.

The tours were led by Gaurav Agrawal, director of Shree Radne Rani International Trading, the first South Asia importer of identity preserved soybeans from the U.S., which arrived in March 2024.

Companies, including over four decade-old stores and shops, have given high praise to using identity preserved beans, reporting more consistent bean size, better taste and feel and high protein. Economic efficiencies have been another noted benefit, including a ready-to-make quality that eliminates extra cleaning and sorting.

“In just a few months since the first container of U.S. IP soybeans arrived in Nepal, consumers are already reporting differences in taste and quality, while manufacturers are seeing results in production efficiencies,” Frederick said. “They could hardly wait to show off the origin of their new ingredients.”

SSGA ended its time in Nepal by hosting an U.S. Identity Preserved International Workshop, with U.S. Soybean Export Council as a partner, along with support from the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC), Missouri Soybeans, North Dakota Soybean Council and Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board. The workshop featured more than 70 attendees, including Nepali soy food manufacturers, traders and related organizations. Media in attendance included The Kathmandu Post, The Himalayan Times, Kantipur, and Himalayan TV.

Presentations during the workshop outlined the growing process and value of identity preserved crops and its potential in Nepal’s food and beverage sector. Soy food consultant Nishith Kumar led manufacturing demonstrations and sampling of soy foods made with the very first shipment of U.S. identity preserved soybeans that were delivered to Nepal in March. Dr. Suresh Itapu discussed valued added products from whole identity preserved soybeans and Sumit Agarwal of the Soy Food Processors Welfare Association highlighted the value of partnerships among soy food processors.

“I enjoyed being here listening to all the speakers talk about how much IP soybeans mean to them, from food safety and security to nutrition, growing U.S. IP soybeans is a little bit more time consuming and labor intensive but it’s worth it to supply the world with a high-quality, high-protein product,” said Frisch, who serves as MSR&PC chair and spoke about growing identity preserved crops at the workshop. “It’s great to see firsthand the important work SSGA does throughout the world on behalf of Minnesota soybean farmers.”

U.S. Identity Preserved brandmark goes international

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Korea, Nepal companies now certified to use U.S. Identity Preserved on retail packaging 

Assurance of a quality product is now being felt across the world with the first international companies becoming certified to stamp the U.S. Identity Preserved mark on their food products.  

The U.S. Identity Preserved assurance plan and brand mark program has been in place since December 2021. Since then, 18 U.S. companies have been certified by the program, which is managed by the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA). This marks the first time the brand has been licensed to foreign companies for use on their retail packaging and/or promotional materials. 

“It was a hallmark day for the U.S. Identity Preserved program. The first foreign user of the brand mark and his many customers in Kathmandu are passionate about the U.S. crops they are importing and turning into wonderful, innovative foods,” said Shane Frederick, manager of strategic programs at SSGA.  

The newly certified businesses include Shree Radhe Rani International Trading, a soy food company in Nepal, which was awarded its certificate on Sept. 19 during SSGA’s U.S. Identity Preserved Workshop in Kathmandu. In addition, a South Korean company recently received approval to use the mark on products made from specialty buckwheat imported from the U.S. 

“It’s a privilege to use the U.S. Identity Preserved label,” said Gaurav Agrawal, managing director of Shree Radhe Rani International Trading. “We have an additional responsibility to ensure the integrity of the soybean and give 100% more in our efforts.” 

Agrawal first became interested in the brandmark after attending SSGA’s inaugural Identity Preserved international Summit in Jan. 2023. He later purchased the first ever commercial shipment of identity preserved soybeans to South Asia, which arrived in March 2024. 

“In just a few months since the first container of U.S. IP soybeans arrived in Nepal, consumers are already reporting differences in taste and quality, while manufacturers are seeing results in production efficiencies,” Frederick said. “They could hardly wait to show off the origin of their new ingredients.” 

Those soybeans have since appeared in a variety of soy snacks, such as roasted soy nuts and crunchy fried soy snacks, as well as tofu, soymilk, soy flour and other soy foods around Kathmandu. 

One shopkeeper said, “Nepalis have noticed the taste and have made the change,” regarding tofu made with U.S. Identity Preserved beans. Reports of more consistent size, compared to local beans, makes it easier to produce the final product; a sweeter flavor and crunch as consumers seek different taste and texture. There are economic efficiencies, too, including a ready-to-make quality that eliminates extra cleaning and sorting. 

All in all, there’s an ability to innovate and make more products with different tastes. 

The U.S. Identity Preserved brand mark guarantees the specific, desirable traits of an identity preserved grain or oilseed grown in the U.S. are maintained throughout each step of production and transportation to the end user. Verified users of the U.S. Identity Preserved mark agree to an eight-step assurance plan to ensure the integrity of an identity preserved product from the seed to the end-user.  

Companies interested in joining the U.S. Identity Preserved assurance plan or using the label on their retail packaging can learn more at usidentitypreserved.org. 

SSGA joins USDA trade mission to Vietnam

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SSGA, the U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance, joined a group of 23 industry associations, 36 companies and nine state departments of agriculture as the USDA Agribusiness Trade Mission to Vietnam began on Monday in Ho Chi Minh City.

Manager of Strategic Programs Shane Frederick and IP Technical Advisor Hoa Huynh are representing SSGA this week, promoting SSGA member businesses and the U.S. Identity Preserved assurance program and label, during the event, which moves north to Hanoi on Wednesday.

Frederick and Huynh are meeting with food manufacturers and buyers, including a lunch with Vinamilk on Monday. Vinamilk was a gracious host two years ago when SSGA held an international launch of the U.S. Identity Preserved brand in Ho Chi Minh City. That event prompted Vinamilk’s research and development to begin inquiring about and sampling U.S. Identity Preserved soybeans for its products.

Vietnam is the United States’ 10th-largest export market, and the U.S. is Vietnam’s third-largest supplier of agricultural products. According to speakers at the trade mission’s plenary session, Vietnamese consumers are often on the lookout for high-quality, premium products, including those of U.S. origin or with U.S. ingredients, despite higher prices for those American products due to tariffs and other factors. Food safety and hygiene are growing concerns for consumers.

Vietnam and the rest of Southeast Asia holds immense opportunity for U.S. exporters, with rising consumer incomes, growing middle class populations and favorable perceptions of U.S. food and agriculture. In 2023, the United States exported $3.1 billion of agricultural products to Vietnam. As the third-largest supplier of food and farm products to Vietnam, the United States holds sizable market share across several categories, including bulk commodities such as cotton, soybeans and distillers grains, as well as consumer-oriented products such as tree nuts, dairy, poultry and fresh fruit.

Besides meeting with buyers and connecting with other organizations doing business in the region, the trade mission gives SSGA a chance to hear detailed market briefings from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service staff covering Vietnam, as well as Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar, along with industry experts and government contacts.

The trade mission is being led by Alexis Taylor, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.

More information: https://fas.usda.gov/newsroom/usda-trade-mission-expand-ag-exports-vietnam-southeast-asia

USDA 2024 Food Processing Ingredients Report highlights Thailand’s growing role in global food industry

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By Kraipob Pangsapa, SSGA Southeast Asia international representative

According to the 2024 Food Processing Ingredients Annual report for Bangkok, Thailand, the food and beverage industry plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, with significant contributions from soybeans and grains. Aiming to be one of the world’s top-10 processed food exporters by 2027, Thailand is also positioning itself as a key player in the “Future Food” market. In 2023, the country imported substantial quantities of cereals for health foods and oilseed meal for feed, highlighting the importance of these commodities. The U.S. was a notable supplier, providing $331 million worth of processed foods, including soybeans and grains. The robust food processing sector in Thailand, which exported $26.5 billion in processed food products, relies heavily on these imports. The food retail industry, which saw sales of $5.1 billion in 2022, is expected to grow by 3% in 2024, driven by urbanization and a growing demand for eco-friendly products.

To penetrate the Thai market, U.S. exporters should establish strong relationships with local importers and distributors, leveraging opportunities at trade shows like Food Pack Asia and Thaifex Anuga. The competitive landscape is dominated by China, Vietnam and India, with the U.S. ranking as the fourth-largest supplier of food ingredients. Thailand’s market trends indicate a growing preference for healthy, functional and plant-based products, with the food e-commerce sector projected to expand significantly. Despite challenges such as trade barriers and higher tariffs on U.S. products, the demand for high-quality soy-based alternatives and other innovative food products continues to rise, presenting lucrative opportunities for exporters.

View the report here.

USDA report highlights essential role of U.S. agriculture in Philippines

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By Kraipob Pangsapa, SSGA Southeast Asia international representative

The 2024 Food Processing Ingredients Annual report for Manila, Philippines, emphasizes the essential roles of soybeans, wheat, pulses and other grains in the country’s food and beverage sector. Soymeal and soybeans, primarily imported from the U.S. valued at $1.34 billion in 2023, are critical for producing various food items like tofu, soy milk, and meat substitutes, reflecting the growing consumer preference for nutritious and plant-based foods. Wheat also plays a pivotal role in the Philippine food industry, with the U.S. being a major supplier valued at $750 million in 2023. Pulses and other grains aren’t present in significant quantities but have good sales potential. These products are gaining traction due to their nutritional benefits and versatility in developing new vegan, plant-based, non-dairy products. However, challenges such as high inter-island shipping costs and competition from countries with preferential trade agreements persist. U.S. exporters of soybeans, wheat, pulses, and grains are encouraged to leverage local trade shows, marketing programs, and strong partnerships with local distributors and manufacturers to navigate these challenges and capitalize on the growing market opportunities in the Philippines. View the report here.

Member profile: Jordan Atchison, PURIS Grains

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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.”

SSGA talks successes in D.C.

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SSGA staff and board members discussed their successes and future plans with USDA, several agricultural organizations and legislative leaders during their Washington, D.C., trip in April.

SSGA Chair Bob Sinner, board members Chuck Kunisch and Rob Prather, Executive Director Eric Wenberg and Manager of Strategic Programs Shane Frederick met with leaders at the Agriculture Transportation Coalition, U.S. Soybean Export Council, North America Export Grain Association, Food Export-Midwest, Michigan Agribusiness Association, and the offices of Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Reps. Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN).

The meetings were an opportunity to educate about SSGA’s success with market promotions abroad and its work domestically to support U.S. growers and businesses. This year, with USDA forecasting poor returns on net revenue for America’s farmers, it’s more important than ever to keep educating about opportunities for the higher returns available from quality segments like U.S. identity preserved.

“It was really incredible to talk and get feedback on our concrete achievements. No other organization has returned investments to its members like SSGA has, with new innovative national programs,” Wenberg said. “The partners we met with really responded to it, as they are looking for new solutions.”

The group explained its unique role in trade such as through the High Quality Specialty Grains program operated with USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service and how its work abroad resulted in U.S. Identity Preserved, the first national program bringing attention in international markets to a U.S. standard for identity preserved techniques and how they can be used to guarantee quality, origin and safety for soybeans or specialty grains. SSGA discussed challenges in transportation and a key role in the future of identity preserved crops in container, intermodal trade. SSGA received positive results from the visit and encouragement to continue its path for the future.

Growth and opportunities in South Korea

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By Hoa Huynh for SSGA

South Korea continues to be an important market for U.S. high quality soybeans and specialty grains. Exports of $712 million of corn, $462 million of soybeans, and $392 million of distillers grains are in the top ten exports of U.S. agricultural products to Korea in 2022. The 10-year growth of corns, soybeans, and distillers grains are 118%, 65% and 212%, respectively. There is still plenty of room for food grade soybeans such as identity preserved (IP) soybeans and specialty grains such as popcorn.

Korean food manufacturers and imported have strong interests in U.S. IP soybeans and specialty grains which reflected in the participation of more than a dozen food producers and buyers at SSGA Identity Preserved International Summit in Hawaii in January 2023. However, it’s essential for SSGA members to follow up on their conversations with these participants by visiting Korea to provide trade servicing to strengthen and expand their interests in SSGA products.

SSGA encourages interested U.S. exporters to apply to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agribusiness trade mission to Seoul, South Korea, March 25-28, 2024.

The USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis Taylor, will lead the agribusiness trade mission. The trade mission will offer U.S. agribusinesses the potential to increase or expand their food and agricultural exports to the region. While in Seoul, participants will engage in two days of business-to-business meetings with potential importers, processors and distributors. Additionally, attendees will receive in-depth market briefings from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and industry trade experts to better understand market dynamics and consumer trends, as well as participate in site visits and other networking opportunities.

Learn more and apply by Dec. 18 at this link.

(Source:  FAS/Seoul reports)

SSGA applauds USDA investment to diversify export markets

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The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announced intention for new programs to help U.S. farmers maintain and diversify export markets and bolster international food aid. USDA announced that it will utilize funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to address trade and food insecurity challenges. USDA will use $1.3 billion for the Regional Agriculture Promotion Program (RAPP) and support for specialty crop industries to diversify export markets. One billion was allocated to address global hunger.

SSGA Vice Chair Darwin Rader attended Secretary Tom Vilsack’s announcement of the investments.

“Secretary Vilsack’s announcement matches the purpose of groups like SSGA that expand markets, help small businesses and look for new ways to promote agriculture,” Rader said. “The farmers we work with want the high-quality options to grow quality soybeans and grains and earn a premium. Thanks to SSGA, the high-quality containerized trade gets more attention and focus.”

The $1.3 billion investment in RAPP will help exporters break into new markets and increase market share in growth markets, as well as provide technical assistance to the specialty crops industry to help it enter markets often imposed by non-tariff barriers.

“SSGA’s job is to influence buyers and food manufacturers to make increasing choices for variety and characteristic-specific, traceable soybeans and grains,” said Eric Wenberg, SSGA executive director. “Containerized grains help preserve buyer specifications in transit and assure quality at delivery.”

In 2019, SSGA leveraged an Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) grant from USDA with its own resources to begin operations and develop U.S. Identity Preserved. Following extensive market research that helped shape the brand, U.S. Identity Preserved launched in 2021 as an eight-step quality assurance process and label that promotes traceable, high-quality soybeans and grains. SSGA used the funds in association with the U.S. Soybean Export Council and American Soybean Association.

“SSGA successfully used USDA market development funds under the prior ATP program,” SSGA Chair Bob Sinner said. “New funds for new ideas like SSGA’s to promote traceable, quality food ingredients direct to international buyers from rural America should be part of the solution to grow exports. SSGA believes that the nation needs to come together to pass a Farm Bill with increases for export development programs to help grow business.”

Read the USDA press release here.

Weed control in soybeans: How to win the battle in 2024

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By David Kee, SSGA Agronomy action team Staff Lead/Director of Research, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council

Herbicide resistant weeds have taken the stage in the continued doom and gloom stories from the popular press. However, those articles forget that weed control is – and always has been – a constant battle in agriculture. I remember stories from my grandfather of a 12-year-old boy thinking the 1916 battlefields of Europe couldn’t be any worse than “choppin’ cotton” in the sweat-soaked environment of a mid-July east Texas cotton field.

At one time, quackgrass was one of the primary weeds in short stature crops (soybeans, etc.), as it was, and still is, extremely tolerant of any mechanical weed control method. Modern weed control efforts have reduced its impact, but that doesn’t mean quackgrass has gone away. It is just under control using our current technology. Literature from the 1960s indicates waterhemp was a minor weed problem; today, it is a major headache for identity preserved (IP) producers.

What is the take-home message? Weed control is always evolving. Proper identification of the problem and providing an adaptable management program are critical to success. A good manager starts with the basics, and then develops a creative solution to that ever-independent world called “their farm.”

What are the basics?

  1. Scout in the fields. Know your fields, know your crop and know your weeds. Assess the fields for weeds, and other problems, as often as possible. There is no such thing as excessive effective crop scouting. However, ineffective scouting wastes time, money, energy and effort.
  2. Effectively change management. Rotate crops, rotate chemistry, add some forms of mechanical weed control and include cover crops. Don’t do the same thing every time, as that will allow some pest to evolve around a management system.
  3. Scout the perimeter of your fields. Look beyond your field. Are there weeds in the ditches, along the fence line, on your tractor tire, in your combine? Institute effective sanitation activities, mow the buffer area enough times to prevent problem weed from going to seed, amp up the weed control efforts on those rows bordering weed infested areas.
  4. Be effective. Develop and institute an effective weed control program, use both pre and post-emergent herbicides at full recommend rates in a system that rotates Sites of Action (SOA). Remember, Muhammad Ali hit his opponent everywhere, not just on the chin. You have to change up the punches to keep taking out those weeds. Think both strategically and tactically; creative effectiveness becomes critical for success.
  5. Scout for future years. Look back at what you’ve done; think about what you will be doing. Sometimes the best place to scout is at your desk reading your farm diary and contemplating your next step. Ask if your management program worked? If not, why not? What needs to be done next? Scout after canopy closure, the canopy will open again after growth stage 7 as the crop matures, waterhemp and other season-long germinating weeds will pop up and require control efforts.
  6. Be persistent. Weed control is not a once-a-year activity. There is always more than one species of weeds present, weed seed germination is complex and often unpredictable. To be effective over the long run, adopting a zero-tolerance goal will go a long way toward keeping a grower on top of the problem. Keep a diary of activities, review it often and ask yourself if you are being effective? What can be done better? What are you giving up by not controlling any pest at certain times? No decision is trivial and should be approached in a logical manner. Knee-jerk reactions tend to be ineffective.

As with any management program, the basics are just that: the basics. A one-size-fits-all program usually results in a poorly fitted suit. Educate yourself. Use the Take Action on Weeds website developed by the United Soybean Board and weed scientists from 10 states. It provides you with a bounty of information on weed species, herbicide modes of action and will help you create an herbicide plan of action for your farming operation.

The program you develop should be tailored to your individual operation. Talk with Extension, other farmers, your local crop consultant and any other professional whose judgement you trust and develop an effective solution for your operation. Then change it up somewhat from year to year. To be effective, you must evolve as the weeds evolve.