U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

The Positive
Momentumof Sustainable U.S. Soy

Table of Contents
Introduction & Executive Summary
SECTION I:

Verifying U.S. Soy’s Sustainability — Momentum with
the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) .............................................................................................................. 4
U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol –The Why and What ...............................................................................................................................................................................6
The SSAP’s Evolution ........................................................................................................................................................................8
The SSAP Year in Review
Major Milestones and Updates ...............................................................................................................................................10
The Debut of Transferable Certificates ............................................................................................................................... 12
Increased Use of Sustainable U.S. Soy Identifiers ...........................................................................................................14
Record Shipments of SSAP-verified U.S. Soy................................................................................................................... 18
SECTION II:

Moving U.S. Soy’s Sustainability Forward —The Goals and Actions of the U.S. Soy Industry ............................................................................................................20
The Value of Sustainable U.S. Soy to the World ..........................................................................................................22
Progress toward Sustainability Goals
U.S. Soy Industry Goals ............................................................................................................................................... 23
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ..................................................................................................24
U.S. Soy’s Carbon Footprint ......................................................................................................................................25
The Commitment of U.S. Soybean Farmers
Sustainable Production Practices ........................................................................................................................26
Industry Action to Advance U.S. Soy’s Sustainability ......................................................................................30
Quick Facts about U.S. Soy’s Sustainability ..................................................................................................... 34
The Future of Sustainable U.S. Soy .................................................................................................................. 36

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U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

The State of
Sustainable U.S. Soy
I’m excited as I sit down and reflect on the sustainability of U.S. Soy.

U.S. Soy to the world, and also meet with the companies that choose

Being a part of this industry for many years, I feel the forward momentum

sustainable U.S. Soy for their products. The supply chain and thenow more than ever. In particular, I’m encouraged by this past year’s

customers share a desire to understand one another and work together

progress as an indicator of future growth for verified sustainable U.S. Soy.

for sustainable solutions. This communication and partnership drive

Farmers continued to produce a reliable supply of high-quality, sustainablefurther momentum for sustainable U.S. Soy and makes me eager to see

U.S. Soy. More companies than ever before chose U.S. Soy, verified

the possibilities for U.S. Soy in the future.

sustainable through the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP)
this past year, with a nearly 10% increase in SSAP-verified shipments. ManyIn this report, you’ll find an account of the U.S. Soy industry’s efforts

companies transferred the SSAP certificate to their customers as proof

over the past year to produce, verify and deliver sustainable U.S. Soy toof U.S. Soy’s sustainability. Companies that use sustainable U.S. Soy inthe world. U.S. soybean farmers have a dedication and commitment totheir products communicated the use on their packages and marketingsustainability, and our goal is to help you feel confident that U.S. Soy ismaterials, with 21 companies in 11 countries adding the “Sustainable

the sustainable solution for you. I hope you enjoy learning more about

U.S. Soy” label to their packaging in 2023. The momentum U.S. Soy has

U.S. Soy’s sustainability and join in the positive momentum acrossbeen building is delivering real solutions for our world.

the industry in choosing U.S. Soy to deliver on your sustainability
commitments, advance the United Nations Sustainable Development

The positive momentum isn’t slowing down, either. U.S. soybean

Goals and elevate your brand’s preference.

farmers are leading the charge and embracing new learning
opportunities for their family farms. Ninety-seven percent of U.S.

Thank you for your interest in U.S. Soy!

soybean farms are family farms, and they are strongly motivated to
improve the land and pass it down to the next generation. U.S. farmers
are investing in production research and other learning opportunities
with the spirit of continuously improving the way they farm. That
conviction to improve has cascading impacts across the industry.
In my role, I have had the opportunity this year to personally visit withmany farmers and businesses responsible for bringing sustainable

Jim Sutter I CEO
U.S. Soybean Export Council

3

Verifying U.S. Soy’s Sustainability — Momentum with the SSAPSECTION I:

Verifying U.S. Soy’s Sustainability —Momentum with the SSAP

4

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

5

Verifying U.S. Soy’s Sustainability — Momentum with the SSAP

The U.S. Soy Sustainability
Assurance Protocol —The Why and What
Product sourcing has become a crucial part of many companies’ commitments
to sustainability, and more than 75% of Fortune’s Global 500 companies publish
sustainability reports. Sourcing requirements focus on environmental and social
issues and lead to positive impacts on business performance. The U.S. Soy
Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) was created to provide credible
information to give buyers of U.S. Soy confidence that the product they
are purchasing is sustainably produced.

USSES.ORG/SSAP

U.S. SOYSUSTAINABILITYASSURANCEPROTOCOL

75% of Fortune’s Global
500 companies publish
sustainability reports.

1

The SSAP is the tool that verifies sustainable soy production on U.S. soybean
farms. The SSAP outlines the practices that define sustainable soy. It’s a national
system that uses sustainability and conservation principles to aggregate U.S.
Soy farmers’ contributions to improved environmental, social and economic
sustainability outcomes. To ensure a robust, thorough and results-driven
approach, the Protocol was built through a multi-stakeholder processincluding participants across the entire value chain.

6

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

The SSAP’s Four Directives Shape
U.S. Soy’s Sustainability
Biodiversity and High Carbon Stock. Soybeans are not produced on
wetlands, grasslands, forests and other designated protected areas toprotect and enhance environmental biodiversity.
Production Practices. Production practices work to enhance the environment
and protect natural resources while increasing production efficiency.
Public and Labor Health and Welfare. The U.S. public and its workers areprotected under U.S. laws, providing for fair labor standards, equal employment
opportunities, abolition of forced labor, Clean Water Act laws, etc.
Continuous Improvement. Sustainability is more than a result; it is a process.
U.S. Soy farmers become more efficient and environmentally sound each year bycontinuously improving their farming practices.
U.S. farmers’ processes and practices contribute to improving environmental,social and economic sustainability outcomes over time.

Recognized & Positively Benchmarked with Global Sourcing Standards• European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC) 2021 Soy Sourcing Guidelines• Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices• Tokyo 2020 Olympic Procurement Committee• SAI Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment 3.0 (FSA) – Silver Equivalent• GlobalGAP

7

Verifying U.S. Soy’s Sustainability — Momentum with the SSAP

The SSAP’s Evolution

A DECADE OF SSAP-VERIFIED U.S. SOY

2016
As more companies began to2012

make commitments to sustainable

Questions began to arise in Europe about
the sustainability of how soy was being

and SSAP-verified shipments

produced in different countries around

The first SSAP certificate

continued to grow, expanding

the world. In a proactive response

was issued. Continuous

into new markets. The firstto these concerns, Soybean Export

Improvement Goals were“Sustainable U.S. Soy” License

Sustainability LLC was formed April 26

developed and announced

Agreement was signed by Weiof that year and the development ofby U.S. Soy and the SSAP

Chuan Foods Corporation

the SSAP began.

was updated.

of Taiwan.

2013

2015

2017

Multi-stakeholder input and

The SSAP was positively

The SSAP was included inreview followed, and the SSAP

benchmarked with the European

the Global Seafood Alliance

was introduced to the U.S.

Feed Manufacturers’ Federation’sBest Aquaculture Practices

industry at the U.S. Soy Global(FEFAC) Soy Sourcing Guidelines.

feed mill standards.

Trade Exchange Conference.

Within the same year, theShipments of SSAP-verified

In the same year, the SSAP

“Sustainable U.S. Soy” label was

U.S. Soy reached 10,000,000

was introduced to thetrademarked and launched.

metric tons.

Netherlands Feed Industry.

8

sourcing, the SSAP was updated

2014

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

2022
The SSAP achieved Silver Level status
with the Farm Sustainability Assessment
from the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative.
Transferable SSAP certificates werelaunched, enabling exporters of SSAPverified U.S. Soy to transfer certificates2020

to their international customers fourTwenty companies signed thetimes down the value chain. “Fed with2018

“Sustainable U.S. Soy” License

Sustainable U.S. Soy” label was launched

Eight companies signed theAgreement, doubling theto promote products such as poultry,

License Agreement to use thenumber of companies enrolled.

pork or shrimp fed with sustainable U.S.

“Sustainable U.S. Soy” on-Shipments of SSAP-verified

Soy. Shipments of SSAP-verified U.S. Soy

pack label, and SSAP-verified

U.S. Soy topped 21,299,232

doubled from the 2020 shipments amountshipments continued to grow.

metric tons.

to more than 40,605,328 metric tons.

2019

2021

2023

The SSAP was approved by the

FEFAC released their 2021

Record SSAP shipments.

Tokyo 2022 Olympic Committee as

Soy Sourcing Guidelines. SSAP

Transferable certificates available.

part of the sustainable sourcing code

was positively benchmarked

The SSAP received temporary

for their Olympic Games, just one part ofwith the FEFAC Guidelines,

QS acceptance recognizing

a more extensive relationship between

achieving the desired criterion

the exclusion of both legal

U.S. Soy and Japan—a nation where soy

on conversion-free soy. Twenty-

and illegal deforestation, as

products are broadly used. The SSAP-

three more companies signed

well as compliance with other

Renewable Energy Directive (RED) is also

the License Agreement to use

economic, ecological and social

approved by the European Commission

the “Sustainable U.S. Soy” label,sustainability criteria.1

and launched, and 10 additional

bringing the licensee total to 65.

companies signed the “Sustainable
U.S. Soy” License Agreement.

9Verifying U.S. Soy’s Sustainability — Momentum with the SSAP

The SSAP Year in Review
With a heightened focus on sustainability over the last 15 years, the U.S. soybean
industry has made tremendous progress in documenting, verifying and sharing its
sustainability story. The momentum has been building, and 2023 brought significant
advancements, including new milestones, new updates to the SSAP, new tools forbuyers of sustainable U.S. Soy and an overall growth of interest in and purchase of
SSAP-verified U.S. Soy.

Major Milestones
Add to Momentum• The SSAP was reviewed and updated in June 2022,
marking Version 3.2 of the Protocol.
• Transferable certificates officially launched inJune 2022.
• A new “Sustainable U.S. Soy” label (“Fed with
Sustainable U.S. Soy”), promoting soy-fed
meat, was released.

10

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

Recent Updates Strengthen the SSAP
Focusing on Actions for Farmers
In June 2022, the SSAP was reviewed and updated, making for the sixth
version of the Protocol.
The SSAP is updated biennially or as needed. Updates begin by evaluating any
gaps identified during the benchmarking processes and through any feedback
received from stakeholders since the last update. The most recent Farm Programis assessed to determine any missing information that should be included. The
SSAP is reviewed to ensure all previously-included items are accurate. Soy industry
organizations are contacted to uncover any new requirements that could impact
the SSAP. Members of the Sustainability Advisory Committee are engaged
throughout the update.
Most of the recent updates centered around U.S. federal, state and local laws andincluded ensuring farmers purchase seed from trustworthy suppliers and train all
employees to handle hazardous materials properly. The update also encouraged
optimizing applications and practices through precision technologies as well as
developing a Nutrient Management Plan.

Highlights of the SSAP Updates

Farmers obey federal,state and local laws

Ensure seed ispurchased fromtrustworthy suppliers

Train employees tohandle hazardous
materials properly

Encourage precision
technologies and Nutrient
Management Plans

11

Verifying U.S. Soy’s Sustainability — Momentum with the SSAP

Debut of Transferable SSAP
Certificates Makes Sustainability
Attainable to More Customers
In 2022, Soy Export Sustainability (SES) created a new process to make SSAP certificatestransferable. Transferable certificates were developed in response to stakeholder feedback
and addressed the need for customers further down the value chain to demonstrate theircommitment to purchasing SSAP-verified soy.
With SSAP transferable certificates, exporters of U.S. Soy can now transfer certificates to theirinternational customers. And those international customers can transfer certificates as they sell
SSAP verified soy through the value chain. SSAP shipment certificates can be transferred to U.S.
Soy customers four times after the point of export. The system will also allow for transferability
based on processing conversions into various types of soy including meal, oil, flour, and hulls.

With new transferable SSAP certificates,
exporters can transfer proof of U.S. Soy’s
sustainability to customers.
The Value of SSAP Transferable Certificates
With transferable SSAP certificates, exporters can improve the transparency andrecord keeping of their sustainability efforts while enabling customers of U.S. Soy
to demonstrate a verifiable commitment to sustainability. Customers can benefit
by receiving an SSAP certificate in their name for the exact amount and theexact product type of their global deliveries. These can be used for customers’sustainability reporting down the value chain. To date, 56 customers havereceived transfer certificates since the platform launch.

12

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

Understanding the “How”
of Transferable Certificates

SSAP Transferable Certificates helped us build a good standing for
dealing with reliable and sustainable sources of raw materials.
We are using the SSAP Transferable Certificate to support ourBusiness Continuity Plan, a primary requirement of one of ourmajor restaurant accounts.”
Apena Food Products
Binondo, Manila, Philippines

Here’s the process for exporters:1

 egister as an exporter on the SSAP
R
Platform (USSES.org/register).

2

Request a Sustainable Allocation
for the current marketing year.

3

Create a shipment-specific SSAP
certificate for U.S. Soy.

4

Transfer all or part of any shipment
certificate to customers as theypurchase SSAP-verified soy.

And it’s just as straightforward for customers:

1

Register as a customer on the SSAP
Platform (USSES.org/customer-register/)or work with a USSES.org registeredsupplier to set up a customer account.

2

As SSAP-verified soy is purchased,customers request a SSAP Transferable
Certificate from the supplier.

3

Certificates are received electronicallyin the SSAP Platform after the suppliertransfers a certificate.

4

When SSAP-verified soy is sold,sellers can transfer an SSAP
certificate to the buyer.

For more information on SSAP Transferable Certificates, check out this instructional video
13

Verifying U.S. Soy’s Sustainability — Momentum with the SSAP

“Sustainable U.S. Soy”
On-Pack Label Increases
Globally in 2023
In 2023, animal protein companies now have a solution to label their products with
the new “Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy” on-pack label. This label is used to promote
products, such as poultry, pork or shrimp fed with sustainable U.S. Soy. At least 60%of the soy in the ration must be sustainable U.S. Soy, verified with an SSAP certificate.
The “Fed with Sustainable U.S. Soy” on-pack
The “Sustainable U.S. Soy” on-pack label, announced in 2015, was made available

label is used to promote animal products fed

to international companies at no cost. It is used to promote products producedwith SSAP-verified soy.

using SSAP-verified soy. Products like food or animal feed must contain at least
60% sustainable U.S. Soy, while whole soybean products must contain at least 90%
sustainable U.S. Soy for the label to be used.
Label users must maintain documentation and details to track an annual massbalance calculation to meet the criteria mentioned above. Before using the no-fee
label, a License Agreement must be signed by U.S. Soybean Export Council(USSEC) and the licensee.

93 companies and more than
1,000 products use “Sustainable
U.S. Soy” on-pack labels.

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U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

The “Sustainable U.S. Soy” label, announced in2015, is used to promote products produced
using SSAP-verifed soy.

Here are a few of the 93 companies that use the “Sustainable U.S. Soy” on-pack label:

Today, this label is in use by 93 companies to identify soy products made with
SSAP-verified soy. The brand can be seen on 1,000 products around the worldin countries such as:
BelizeEcuadorPanamaChina

El Salvador

Philippines

Colombia

GuatemalaTaiwanCosta RicaJapan

Vietnam

Dominican Republic

Mexico15

Verifying U.S. Soy’s Sustainability — Momentum with the SSAP

Sustainable U.S. Soy Reaches
New Heights with Ichiban
Soymilk and Vietnam Airlines“Sustainable U.S. Soy”
Lands in Japan’s 7-Eleven
Convenience Stores

Ichiban Soymilk, manufactured with sustainable U.S. Soy, was one ofSeven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. has entered into a partnership withnine high-quality U.S. products featured on a non-stop Vietnam Airlines

U.S. Soy, and now customers in Japan’s 7-Eleven stores can enjoy

flight from Ho Chi Minh City to San Francisco, California.ThaiCorp

individually-packaged tofu bars carrying the “Sustainable U.S. Soy”

International’s Ichiban Soymilk was included in a specially designed

logo. In 2023, four Seven Premium tofu bar flavors became thein-flight menu to celebrate the first anniversary of Vietnam Airlines’ first

first company products to use the logo. Soybeans are essential

direct flight from Vietnam to the U.S. The introduction of “Sustainable

ingredients in traditional Japanese foods and combined with the

U.S. Soy”-labeled Ichiban Soymilk bottles comes after ThaiCorp unveiled

value Japanese consumers place on sustainable production, theseplans last year to refresh the packaging for their soy-related brands to

products help 7-Eleven support the busy lifestyle of the Japanese

include the “Sustainable U.S. Soy” label. This opened up new sales andpeople, who demand a solid connection to their culture andmarketing opportunities for ThaiCorp by allowing it to differentiate theenvironmental responsibility.

brand from its other products.

16

Learn more about how SSAP-verified

Learn how 7-Eleven promotes thesoy is brought to burgeoning markets.

value of SSAP-verified soy products.

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

From the Customers —Sustainable U.S. Soy
Identifiers in Action

The “Sustainable U.S. Soy” logo serves as a credible endorsement of
Miracle’s commitment to sustainability. The logo can also enhance
consumer confidence; upon seeing this logo, they can be more inclined
to trust that the soy in the product was produced sustainably. In a
competitive marketplace, the “Sustainable U.S. Soy” logo differentiates
Miracle from our competitors.”

Cielo Reyes

We pay attention to the current trend where consumers

President of Miracle Soybean Food Int’l. Corp.
Metro Manila, Philippines

are looking for food and beverage products that are
healthy, sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The use of the “Sustainable U.S. Soy” logo in our tempe
product packaging is expected to help us penetrate thisnew market segment willing to pay more for green andresponsible food products.

We are working with USSEC to promote the “Sustainable U.S. Soy” logo
and our labeled soy products. Consumers have become increasingly

Using the “Sustainable U.S. Soy” logo gives us access toa modern premium market segment whose consumers
are more aware of climate change issues. Regarding
financing, major local banks in Indonesia have launchedsustainability-linked loans for small and medium-sized
entities like us. In this sense, using the “Sustainable U.S.
Soy” logo can help us access this type of loan needed forour business expansion in the future.”

Cucup Ruhiyat
CEO of PT. Azaki Food International
Bogor, Indonesia

interested in companies’ efforts toward sustainability and recognize
it as an important value. Shoppers are considering more about theenvironment, sustainable consumption and management andcorporate social responsibilities (CSR).
Sustainability is not just a trend but something that creates long-termvalue for companies. We know that using the “Sustainable U.S. Soy” logo
is a great opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability.”

Chulhoon Lee
Purchasing Manager of
Sajo Daerim Corporation
Seoul, Korea

17

Verifying U.S. Soy’s Sustainability — Momentum with the SSAP

Record Shipments of
SSAP-verified U.S. Soy

SSAP Shipments as a Percent of Total U.S. Soy Exports

With an ever-increasing global interest in sustainability
and responsible sourcing, the amount of sustainable
U.S. Soy exported has also increased exponentially.
In 2023, 44,480,427 metric tons of sustainable U.S.
Soy were shipped globally. This means that 70%
of all U.S. Soy exports were shipped with an SSAP
certificate. — a 9.54% increase in SSAP-verified export
shipments over 2022 and a 56.44% increase over 2021.
Shipments to China accounted for almost half of
the SSAP-verified soy exported in 2023. Nearly
20% of SSAP-verified soy exports went to theAmericas, followed by Europe and the remainder
went to Asia and Africa. SSAP-verified shipments
to China have more than doubled since 2021.
In 2023, 74 exporting companies issued SSAP certificates toaccompany shipments of U.S. Soy. SSAP-verified shipments
Verified Sustainable U.S. Shipments

made up 99% of the U.S. Soy exported to Europe and 92% ofthat sold to Northeast Asia. The data makes it abundantly clear
international community.
Of the SSAP-verified soy products exported from the U.S.,
more than 80% were whole soybeans. Soybean meal accounted
for 17% of SSAP-verified exports, with oil and other by-products
following in small amounts.

18

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

50
MILLIONS SHIPPEDthat sustainability is a vital factor in the buying decisions of the

40,605,328

40
30

28,432,763
22,355,707 21,299,232

20

16,379,071
11,415,446

10
0

44,480,427

5,876,808
6,845

2014

851,933

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Momentum WorthMentioning
From less than 7,000 metric tons at the program’s beginnings in 2014, SSAPverified shipments have increased at an incredible rate — a testament to thesuccess of the program and the growing market for sustainable U.S. Soy.

From the Exporter — SSAP Shipments

Since certifying the first shipment of U.S. Soy under the Soy
Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) in 2014, Scoular andour customers around the world have come to rely on the SSAP
to provide downstream processors and end-use consumers
with our collective guarantee on the sustainable practices ofexporters and the more than 300,000 U.S. soybean producers
adhere to.
SSAP certification has become a trusted and vital tool inbringing additional value to the U.S. Soy Export Supply Chain,
as the benefits of sustainably become more recognized andrequired to access key world markets.”
Colby Eymann
International Grains
and Oilseeds,
Scoular19

Moving U.S. Soy’s Sustainability Forward — Goals & Actions of the Industry

SECTION II:

Moving U.S. Soy’s Sustainability
Forward — Goals & Actions of
the Industry

20

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

21

Moving U.S. Soy’s Sustainability Forward — Goals & Actions of the Industry

The Value of Sustainable
U.S. Soy to the Worldthe miracle bean. Its many uses and high-quality protein and oil content
make it valuable worldwide, with the United States being a leader insustainable soybean production.

Feeding People

Feeding Animals

The global plant-based meat

Protein is an essential part

The World
Wants Soy

market is expected to reachof diets worldwide andU.S. Soy feeds

U.S. $24.8 billion by 2030,

as our population grows,

society’s needs for

expanding at a compound

we will need more protein

protein and essential

annual growth rate of 24.9% from 2023 toin every form to nourish people. Animal

fats. Through consistent innovation in

2030.2 U.S. Soy is ideally positioned to provide

consumption of soy protein plays an essential

the field and efficiency beyond it, U.S.

excellent nutrition in meeting this demand.

role in global nutrition, and U.S. soybean

farmers will grow more and higher-quality

Beyond plant-based meat, soy products

farmers are answering the call by sustainably

soybeans to meet growing nutritional

like tofu, tempeh and natto provide nutrition

producing feed for meat, poultry, fish andneeds, provide innovative solutions toaround the world. Soy is an excellent source ofother protein sources. The U.S. Soy industry

many of today’s complex challenges andcomplete plant-based protein, providing all nine

supports animal protein producers aroundsupport the progress and vitality of theof the essential amino acids necessary for a

the world by sharing information on farming

communities where they live and farm

healthy diet. This protein is a staple for vegans,best practices to maximize efficiency andas well as the communities they serve

vegetarians, flexitarians and anyone consuming

sustainability throughout the food chain.

around the world.

plant-based food. Soy protein is the only plant

U.S. Soy remains committed to supporting

protein comparable to animal protein and thesoy in animal feed to help provide

only plant protein that carries the U.S. Food &nourishment to a growing population.

Drug Administration’s (FDA) heart health claim
confirming it may be able to reduce the risk ofcoronary heart disease.

22

The soybean has many nicknames, such as the all-powerful bean or

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

Progress Toward
Sustainability Goals

U.S. Soy Sustainability
Progress to Build Upon
Since 19803, U.S. soybean farmers
have improved resource efficiency.

43%2025 Goals Drive Action for U.S. Soy

greenhouse gas emissions

U.S. Soy farmers’ commitment to sustainability is a long-term promise rooted in conservation

efficiency improvement per ton

programs created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture more than 75 years ago and defined bycontinuous improvement.
U.S. Soy and partner organizations are dedicated to focusing resources on research, outreachand measurements to stay true to this promise of sustainable farming. Using the year 2000 as a

46%

energy use efficiency
improvement per ton

starting benchmark (from the “Field to Market National Indicators Report” ), U.S. soybean farmers
3

48%

aim to achieve the following by 2025:

land use efficiency improvement
Reduce land use impact

Increase energy use

by 10% (measured as

efficiency by 10% (measured

acres per bushel)as BTUs per bushel)in hectares per ton

34%

soil conservation improvement
per hectare
Reduce soil erosion

Reduce total greenhouse gas

by 25% (measured as

emissions by 10% (measured

tons per bushel)as pounds of CO2-equivalentgasses emitted)

130%

production increase intons per hectare

23

Moving U.S. Soy’s Sustainability Forward — Goals & Actions of the Industry

The SSAP Helps Farmers Meet the United Nations’Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, the United Nations (UN) set Sustainable

to climate-smart farming practices outlined in U.S. Soy’s 2025

Development Goals (SDGs) as a blueprint forsustainability goals are also highlighted in the targets under SDG

achieving a better and more sustainable future

Goal 2. The three top priorities that emerged from stakeholder

for all by addressing global challenges, including

research, which all map to Goal 2, are:4

poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental
degradation, peace and justice.

• Soil health/carbon sequestration• Water management

These aspirational goals provide a framework for governments,• Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

businesses, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), universities andfinancial institutions to support priority areas for improvement. The

These priorities intersect with five other SDGs, which emphasize

SDGs offer a standard communications and goal-setting framework forenvironmental responsibility and resilient agriculture, aligningconnecting business and organizational strategies with global priorities.

naturally with agriculture and food production.

Soybean farmer actions associated with the SSAP support many SDGs.

The assessment also highlighted U.S. Soy’s competitive advantages:

U.S. Soy conducted in-depth stakeholder research to map U.S. Soylabor practices and safety, fair competition and business practices,priorities to the SDGs. Through collaboration with internal and external

human rights and reduced deforestation. Social aspects like labor andstakeholders, 15 environmental, social and economic factors were

human rights protection and anti-corruption practices are required asprioritized as opportunities where the industry was positioned toa “license to operate” in the U.S. While deforestation is a top issue for“move the needle.”

the global soy industry, it is not an issue for U.S. Soy, with U.S. forest
increasing 742,000 hectares between 1997 and 2017.5 U.S. Soy

24

UN Goal 2, Zero Hunger, addresses all the top U.S. Soy priorities identified

continues to seek additional opportunities to align with the UN SDGs

in our assessment. Soy plays an integral role in supplying high-quality

and targets to support both our sustainability goals and those ofprotein for diets, helping to alleviate hunger. The continual improvements

U.S. Soy customers.

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

U.S. Soy’s Carbon Footprint
is Lowest in the World

Carbon Footprint (Including LUC) of Whole Soybeans
7

According to Blonk Consultants and the data from its Agri-footprint™
database, U.S. Soy’s carbon footprint is the lowest in the world when
6

factoring in cultivation impact and land-use change versus other soy,plant proteins and vegetable oils. Blonk’s data assesses the environmental
footprint of soy from various origins using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
methodology, which takes into account the Land Use Change (LUC) impact
according to the Product Environmental Footprint standard used by the

kg CO 2-eq / kg product

6

5.70

5.50

5
4
3
2
1
0

0.75

0.36
UnitedStatesArgentina

Austria
Cultivation

Brazil

0.90

0.74

0.62

Germany

France

Italy

Transport

0.92

0.85

RussiaUkraine

LUC

European Commission to calculate the environmental footprintof a specific product.
Soy is used in many supply chains, and worldwide the area underand even unfarmed land in conservation programs to reduce emissions
while benefiting soil health and biodiversity.

cultivation is expanding, causing concern that increased soy production

Blonk Consultants also analyzed the impact of land use change over theleads to CO emissions, land degradation and biodiversity loss. This

last 20 years while also using the PAS 2050-1 standard, the most-appliedis especially a concern if the increase in soy production comes withmethod for calculating the land-use-change impact on the carbon footprint.

deforestation and other unwanted land use changes such as conversion

In Argentina and Brazil, land use change negatively impacts the carbon

of savannas, wetlands or grasslands to crop production.

footprint, primarily due to the clearing of forests to make way for farming.

2

Blonk Consultants examined the impact of cultivation as a contributor
to greenhouse gas emissions, examining energy use for machinery andirrigation, fertilizer production and application, crop residue emissions
and more. In the U.S., high yields and high levels of mechanization andprecision farming techniques minimize emissions. In addition, U.S.
farmers use practices such as cover crops, no-till or reduced tillage

The carbon stored in the trees is released into the atmosphere as carbon
dioxide. Land use change barely impacts the carbon footprint of U.S.
soybean cultivation. Compared to South America, deforestation and land
conversion in the U.S. are much less of an issue.

Learn more about U.S. Soy’s Carbon
Footprint and Blonk Consultants’ work.

25

Moving U.S. Soy’s Sustainability Forward — Goals & Actions of the Industry

The Commitment of U.S.
Soybean Farmers
Soybeans are a vital part of the U.S. agricultural landscape. In 2023, soybeans weregrown on more than 33 million hectares 7 and over 300,000 soybean farms.8 They growfrom the most southern states, such as Texas and Louisiana, to the upper Midwest of
Wisconsin and Michigan, performing in all sorts of environments — from fertile riverbottoms and heavy clays to sandy soils and hilltops. The versatility of soybeans makes
it an easy choice for a wide variety of production systems.
U.S. Soy producers represent a vibrant segment of their communities.
Based on a recent survey 9 of U.S. soybean farmers, roughly 94%
of soybean farmers consider themselves to be part of a multigenerational operation, with three-fourths of those having morethan one family member working on the operation. These
producers participate in many diverse community support
roles, with 83% volunteering their time and leadership tochildren, conservation, food banks, local development
and more. The majority pursue continuing education
opportunities in the agriculture field, spending time intraining, field days and other trade and industry events
held throughout the year.
Sustainability and conservation are priorities for U.S. Soy
farmers because the land is a farmer’s most important asset.
In the U.S., 98% percent of farms are family-owned, meaning
those precious farm assets have often been handed down fromgeneration to generation. Most producers aim to leave theground better than they found it by continuously improving
production practices.

26

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

U.S. Soybean Farmers Use
Sustainable Production Practices
Conservation Tillage: Conservation tillage practices — such

Precision Farming: Today’s precision technologies allow

as no-till, strip-till and reduced-till — leave at least 30% of the

farmers to keep a close, guided eye on everything from tillage

field under residue cover. These practices leave crop residue

and planting to pesticide and fertilizer application, water use

behind to protect soil from wind and water erosion, meaning

efficiency and harvest success. Precision practices have led

greater soil retention and protection with less compaction

to an estimated 7% increase in fertilizer placement efficiency,

and runoff.

a 9% reduction in herbicide usage, a 6% decrease in fossil fueluse and a 4% reduction in water use.10

Cover Crops: Cover cropping is a management practicein which fields are planted, not with the specific goal of a

Nutrient Management: U.S. farmers use detailed nutrient

harvested crop, but to provide ground cover that benefits the

management plans to precisely apply just the right amountfarm and its surrounding ecosystem. Cover crops can preventof nutrients for crops when needed. This allows for morerunoff, slow water movement across the field and improve

productive soil; less fertilizer use and protected water quality.

soil structure through increased organic matter. They can also

Soil testing, cover crops and crop rotation are among thetrap fertilizer that might try to move out of the field.

primary ways that farmers manage the use of nutrients.

Waterway Preservation and Management: Water use

Innovations in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology: Plant

management practices enable farmers to increase input

breeding innovation and biotechnology make weed control

efficiency and ensure sustainable withdrawal. Technology

more effective and reduce the amount of chemicals andadvances like center-pivot irrigation systems, weather andinputs needed to produce crops. More than 90% of thesoil moisture sensors and water storage ponds help farmers

soybeans grown in the U.S. are herbicide tolerant.11 These

precisely optimize water resources. U.S. farmers also use

innovations also work to increase nutritional benefits forpractices such as buffer strips, grassed waterways and field

consumers, protect against extreme weather conditions

terraces to keep soil and nutrients in the field where they

and address malnutrition around the globe.

belong, as waterways can sometimes become the vehicle forsoil erosion and nutrient runoff. These water management
practices keep our water sources clean and protected.
27

Moving U.S. Soy’s Sustainability Forward — Goals & Actions of the Industry

What U.S. Soybean Farmers Say
About Sustainable Production“I think that living on the ground that we are actively farming brings even more to
the forefront the importance of responsibly farming in a manner that ensures theconservation of our land and water quality.”— Iowa Soybean Farmer, Tricia Jaeger“We have a long history with this land and plan on farming many
generations in the future. We want to be caretakers of the soil to keep
it in the best shape possible.”— Alabama Soybean Farmer, Steve Allen“We have worked the same ground for so long, there is an intimate connection
to the land. This means we know what works for our ground. We know how
to cut back on inputs in some areas and the proper techniques to use to
reduce environmental impacts.”— Tennessee Soybean Farmer, Kerry Frazier“The care for the land while producing soybeans is of utmost importanceto multi-generational farmers, as each generation can see the efforts ofprevious generations and can work to improve on those practices for
future generations.”

28— Kansas Soybean Farmer, John Pringle

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

Meet U.S. Soybean Farmers

Meagan Kaiser

Tim Bardole

Laurie Isley

Meagan farms soybeans and corn inTim’s family has a nearly 120-year farming

Laurie and her husband, James, farm

Missouri with her husband Marc, a fifth-

legacy in central Iowa. For about 90 of thosewith their son, Jake, and his wife, LeeAnn,

generation farmer. In addition, Meagan isyears, the Bardoles tilled their farmland. Theyin Palmyra, Michigan, just 30 miles west

a soil scientist, serving as Chief Operating

shifted their operations in 1993 to no-till.

of Lake Erie. The farm ground is primarily

Officer of Perry Agricultural Labratory,

Farmers like Tim use sustainable agriculture

sandy-loam soil with gravel subsoil,

Inc. She’s an active leader in the U.S.

practices not only because they’re goodrequiring practices that help to conservesoybean industry, including serving as thefor the environment, but also because theywater throughout the growing season.

Past Chair of the United Soybean Board.

help their bottom lines. Sometimes, it takes

The Isley family has been recognized“Sustainability on our farm is a year-roundtime to get operations up and running, but

for their sustainable practices with afocus that begins with data. We must

once sustainable agriculture solutions areConservation Legacy Award from thebe sustainable to be an economically

implemented in full capacity, the numbers

American Soybean Association. “We

viable operation … and of course, to makespeak for themselves. “When my father

value our impact on the environment.

sure that the next generation has thestarted farming in the ‘60s, 30-bushel an-

We are proud of being farmers andopportunity to continue the family legacy

acre soybeans was a good yield. When I

that we farm in a way that leaves thein a better starting position than we were.

started in the ‘90s, it was 45. Today, if weland better for the next generation than

Just like the generations before did for us.”

don’t grow 70-bushel-an-acre soybeans, it’s

we got it. We invest in our future.”considered a disappointment. To me, thatproves sustainability. If we are damaging theland, it would not produce the way it does.”29Moving U.S. Soy’s Sustainability Forward — Goals & Actions of the Industry

Industry Action to Advance
Soy’s Sustainability
The U.S. Soybean Export Council Shares
U.S. Soy’s Sustainability Story

Trade Visits Show Off U.S. Soy and Customer Needs

Throughout 2023, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) engaged inevery year, USSEC facilitates numerous Trade Team visits. International

numerous events and partnerships to strengthen relationships between

buyers visit various entities in the United States, including farmers,

U.S. Soy and its potential buyers and end users to foster dialogue andsoybean processors and export facilities to gain insights into thepropel the forward momentum of U.S. Soy’s sustainability.

U.S. Soy industry.

Regional Conferences
Foster Dialogue
USSEC organized regional
conferences such as the Americas

Similarly, U.S. Soy farmers travel overseas to gain an understanding ofcountry-specific requirements, challenges and constraints. Whilelearning about the customers’ needs, the U.S. Soy farmers
also share information about their farms and practices.

Agribusiness Sustainability

In September 2023, USSEC hosted nine European feed

Conference and the Asia Foodindustry contacts for a tour in Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois andand Ag Sustainability Symposium

Missouri. The trip focused on sustainability and sustainable

to engage international buyers insoybean production began with a visit to a site in Indiana

understanding the sustainability

operated by The Nature Conservancy, where 5,000 acresof U.S. Soy. These conferencesof former cropland have been restored to native prairie withspecifically address each region’s

the largest herd of bison east of the Mississippi River.

sustainability needs and interests, which

The group also visited a Consolidated Grain and Bargecan vary significantly, from deforestation

Co. river terminal and met with the USSEC CEO, Jim

regulation concerns in Europe to sustainability

Sutter, at USSEC’s headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.

fundamentals discussions in Southeast Asia.

30

Trade Teams cultivate relationships across the U.S. Soy value chain and

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

Partnerships Push U.S. Soy Further

European feed industry, on Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI) and deforestation

USSEC partnerships are vital to furthering the messages of sustainable

regulations, including engagements in China and Southeast Asia. FEFAC andU.S. Soy. By working with trade organizations across the globe, USSECCESFAC — the Spanish federation of the feed industry — held meetings with

provides education and perspective specific to the different sustainable

the USSEC Latin America team and customers in Europe.

production needs around the world.

The European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation — USSEC’s partnership withThe European Feed Manufacturers’ Federation (FEFAC) is one of its longeststanding collaborations to ensure European market access. The Sustainable
Soy Assurance Protocol (SSAP) is recognized and accepted under the

USSEC team members play a key role in collaborating with FEFAC on tradeissues and related matters, even participating in European sustainability
panel discussions at major events, providing an opportunity to offer the U.S.
perspective in coordination with the European feed industry.

FEFAC Soy Sourcing Guidelines for 2021.

Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture — Field to Market

FEFAC was founded in 1959 by five national compound feed associations

agriculture value chain to collaborate on the future for farmers, businesses

from France, Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. FEFAC’s role isand the environment, with a focus on science-based, industry-wide solutions.

to promote the interests of the European compound feed industry, while

A member organization since 2014, USSEC uses the “Field to Market

lobbying for the legislative framework that maximizes market opportunities

Indicators Report” as a resource when setting goals for U.S. Soy. Members

for European compound feed and premix companies. Encouragingof the USSEC team attend biannual sessions to maintain a consistentsustainable livestock production is also critical to their mission.

relationship between USSEC and Field to Market and serve on committees

brings together more than 190 member organizations across the food andwithin the organization.
The USSEC Europe-MENA program collaborates with FEFAC, European
member states and affiliated country feed associations for meetings, trade
missions and global events, enabling USSEC to communicate the benefits
effectively of sustainable U.S. Soy at feed industry meetings across Europe.
USSEC regularly provides speakers at country-level feed association annual
meetings and has been consistently featured at FEFAC’s yearly conference,
fostering direct relationships with Europe’s largest soy consumers.
USSEC and FEFAC collaborate on sustainability initiatives on a global
scale. FEFAC has provided speakers on sustainability practices in the

Agricultural Sustainability Committee of the China Feed Industry
Association — USSEC is also involved with China’s Agricultural Sustainability
Committee (ASC). The ASC operates under the China Feed Industry
Association (CFIA), which has a history of promoting palm oil and working
with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Establishing thisworking committee allows for a more focused approach to sustainableagriculture, considering global biodiversity conservation requirements andnational carbon peaking strategies, carbon neutrality and ecological goals.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

31

Moving U.S. Soy’s Sustainability Forward — Goals & Actions of the Industry

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

The committee aims to study and promote scientific research,
production, processing, procurement and marketing methods related
to sustainable agriculture. This work includes expanding the supply

Communicating U.S. Soy’s
Sustainability Storyand procurement of environmentally-friendly and low-carbon products,
raising industry awareness of environmental and ecological protection,and promoting sustainable agricultural development. The committee
also contributes to national ecological civilization construction, carbon
peak, carbon neutrality, biodiversity protection and environmental
preservation goals. The committee is comprised of 13 members,
including Cargill, Bangui, Yihai Kerry, USSEC, World Wildlife Fund (WWF),World Resources Institute (WRI) and Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC).
The committee’s efforts regarding sustainable soy are still in theirearly stages. The market demand for sustainable soy differs fromthat of palm oil, explaining the variation in project progress. Recent

USSEC proactively develops communications campaigns that sharecommittee activities include discussions of the 2023 work plan andthe data behind sustainable U.S. Soy. Using a variety of channels,

soybean proposals, such as Sustainable Soybean Procurement

including websites, social media, events and more, USSEC addresses

Guidelines and China’s Sustainable Soybean Certification, includingcommon questions about U.S. Soy, including its low-carbon footprint

South America and the U.S.

and the sustainable production practices farmers use, like no-till, crop

Global Feed LCA Institute — USSEC collaborates with the Global

rotation and biodiversity, as well as how to buy U.S. Soy.

Feed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Institute to ensure access to theWith offices worldwide and an active team, USSEC is available tomost up-to-date LCA information, including the Agri-footprint data inanswer questions from current and potential buyers of U.S. Soy.

the Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI) database.

This past year, USSEC focused on sharing the news about the

USSEC maintains Association Membership within GFLI and activelytransferability of SSAP certificates.

participates in its associated conferences, including the second Global

32

Food and Agriculture Sustainability Symposium, which focused on

See more about how USSEC

developing standardized approaches for LCA in feed production.

shares the story of U.S. Soy.

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

Trade Organizations Drive U.S. Soy’s
Sustainability Forward
In addition to USSEC, other industry trade organizations play important roles in advancing U.S. Soy’s
sustainability. The early drivers in developing a national strategy for enhancing U.S. Soy sustainability
that became the SSAP included:

The United Soybean Board’s

The American Soybean

The U.S. Soybean Export Council

77 volunteer farmer-leaders

Association (ASA) is a

(USSEC) focuses on marketing

work on behalf of all U.S.

membership organizationand promoting U.S. Soy to moresoybean farmers to achievethat represents U.S. soybean

than 80 international markets.

maximum value for their soy

farmers on domestic and

USSEC members represent

checkoff investments. These

international policy issues

the entire soy supply chain,

volunteers create value byimportant to the soybean

including U.S. Soy farmers,

investing in research, education,industry, including trade.

processors, commodity

and promotion with the vision

ASA has 26 affiliated stateshippers, merchandisers, allied

to deliver sustainable soy

associations representing

agribusinesses and agricultural

solutions to every life, every

30 soybean-producing statesorganizations. USSEC is funded

day across the three priority

and more than 500,000

by the U.S. soybean checkoff,

areas of Infrastructure &soybean farmers.

USDA Foreign Agricultural

Connectivity, Health & Nutrition,

Service (FAS) matching funds

and Innovation & Technology.

and the U.S. industry.

Along with USB, ASA
and USSEC, government,
research institutions,private industry, statesoybean organizations, andmany others play key roles
in advancing U.S. Soy’s
sustainability.

33

Moving U.S. Soy’s Sustainability Forward — Goals & Actions of the Industry

Quick Facts about U.S. Soy’s Sustainability
Conservation — A Priority for
U.S. Soybean Farmers• Soy is a part of a diverse crop rotation plan
produced on 28% of U.S. cropland.12• Soil erosion rates on all U.S. croplanddecreased 35% between 1982 and 2017.13• Soil erosion from U.S. Soy production• Land use decreased 40% per ton of U.S.
soybean production and energy use (BTUs
per bushel) for U.S. soybean production has
decreased 35% since 1980.

18• Currently, over 1.8 million hectares are• Some form of conservation tillage (no-till,
strip-till or mulch-till) was used on about

the Partnerships for Climate-Smart• The National​​
Resources Conservationconservation programs and compliance.
• 8.4 million hectares are removed from

56% of that being no-till.15

the Conservation Reserve Program.20• More than 18.2 million hectares of
production land are enrolled in theConservation Stewardship Program.21

Government Programs Foster
Sustainable Environments• The U.S. Government established• The Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP) provides funding to farmers
to adopt conservation practices like nutrient
management, conservation tillage, coverconservation programs in the 1930s.

crops, and field-edge filter strips. From 2009

In 1985, the Food Security Act greatly

through 2020, more than $17.4 billion U.S.

increased conservation efforts

dollars have been spent in EQIP to design

monitored by USDA.

and implement conservation practices

17

nationwide on over 56.2 million hectares.22

34

U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol I Annual Report 2023

• The USDA is investing over $3.1

by the U.S. Government.

production to protect the environment inby barge or rail.16

2019-2030 on conservation.23

billion in 141 selected projects under19

70% of soybean acres in 2012, with about• 91% of U.S. Soy travels to export position• The USDA will spend $71 billion fromprotected by easements held and enforced

Service employs over 10,000 people indecreased 47%.14

Looking to the Future

Commodities.24• The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
appropriated more than $18 billion in new
funding specifically for climate-smart
agriculture and forestry greenhousegas-mitigating and carbon sequestration
activities into existing USDA conservationrelated programs.25

Footnotes
QS: Soy sustainable from 2024 onwards. (2023, January 27).
Quality Scheme Website. https://www.q-s.de/newspoolen/qs-soya-sustainable-from-2024.html

1

ResearchAndMarkets.com. (2023, June 22). Global Plant-based
Meat Market Forecast to 2030: Growing Adoption of Vegan
Lifestyle and Diet Among Health-conscious Consumers Fuels the
Sector. Business Wire. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/
reports/5505318/plant-based-meat-market-size-share-and-trends

2Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture. (2021).
Environmental Outcomes from On-Farm Agricultural Productionin the United States (Fourth Edition). ISBN: 978-0-578-33372-4

3

United Nations. (n.d.). Sustainable Development
Goals. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals

4

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), in partnershipwith the American Soybean Association, CropLife America, andNational Corn Growers Association. (2021, February 1). The
Environmental Benefits of Precision Agriculture in the UnitedStates. Retrieved from https://newsroom.aem.org/asset/977839/
environmentalbenefitsofprecisionagriculture-2#.YBdQZR2Lc74l

10

United States Department of Agriculture Economic ResearchService. (n.d.). Recent Trends in GE Adoption. Retrieved fromhttps://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/adoption-of-geneticallyengineered-crops-in-the-u-s/recent-trends-in-ge-adoption/
United States Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural
Statistics Service. (2019). Crop Production 2018 Summary(p.52). ISSN: 1057-7823. Retrieved from https://www.nass.usda.
gov/Publications/Todays_Reports/reports/cropan19.pdf

Blonk Consultants. (2023). Agri-footprint: Results based on default
emission modeling, including land use change emissions, according
to the rules of the PEFCR-Feed guidance document (European
Commission, 2018) as implemented in the Agri-footprint 5.0
database. Input data rely on country average FAO statistics and othersecondary sources. Supplier-specific information would improvedata quality and may provide differing results. Comparisons havenot been reviewed in the context of ISO 14040/14044 compliance.

14

United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency.
(2023). 2023 Crop Acre Data [ZIP file]. Retrieved from https://www.
fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/NewsRoom/eFOIA/
crop-acre-data/zips/2023-crop-acre-data/XoNdctf9jmvWFGY.zip

7

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency. (2020,
October). Conservation Reserve Program Fact Sheet. Retrieved
from https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/
usdafiles/Conservation/PDF/crp-one-pager-oct-2020.pdf

20

12

13

6

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency. (2020,
October). Conservation Reserve Program Fact Sheet. Retrieved
from https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/
usdafiles/Conservation/PDF/crp-one-pager-oct-2020.pdf

19

11

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2020). Summary Report:
2017 National Resources Inventory. Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Washington, DC, and Center for
Survey Statistics and Methodology, Iowa State University,
Ames, Iowa. Retrieved from https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/
sites/default/files/2022-10/2017NRISummary_Final.pdf

5

Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture. (2016).
Environmental and Socioeconomic Indicators for Measuring
Outcomes of On-Farm Agricultural Production in the United States(Third Edition). ISBN: 978-0-692-81902-9. Retrieved from https://fieldtomarket.org/national-indicators-report-2016/soybeans/18

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2020). Summary Report:
2017 National Resources Inventory. Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Washington, DC, and Center for
Survey Statistics and Methodology, Iowa State University,
Ames, Iowa. Retrieved from https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/
sites/default/files/2022-10/2017NRISummary_Final.pdf
Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture.
(2016). Environmental and Socioeconomic Indicators for
Measuring Outcomes of On-Farm Agricultural Production in
the United States (Third Edition). ISBN: 978-0-692-81902-9.
Retrieved from http://fieldtomarket.org/media/2016/12/
Field-to-Market_2016-National-Indicators-Report.pdf
Claassen, R., Bowman, M., McFadden, J., Smith, D., & Wallander,
S. (2018, September). Tillage Intensity and Conservation Croppingin the United States (EIB-197). U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Economic Research Service. Retrieved from https://www.ers.
usda.gov/webdocs/publications/90201/eib-197.pdf?v=7027

15

Soy Transportation Association. (2012). FARM TO
MARKET: A Soybean’s Journey From Field To Consumer(p. 181). NOTE: Calculation is rail 44% + barge 47% =91% Retrieved from https://www.soytransportation.org/
FarmToMarket/FarmToMarketStudy082012Study.pdf

21Communication with NRCS Technical Staff.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (2021).
RCA Data Viewer. Retrieved from https://www.nrcs.usda.
gov/resources/data-and-reports/rca-data-viewer

22

Congressional Budget Office. (2020, February). CBO’s January 2020
Baseline for Farm Programs [Baseline], pg. 3. Retrieved from https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2020-01/51317-2020-01-usda.pdf

23

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2022). Partnerships
for Climate-Smart Commodities Infographic. Retrieved
from https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/
documents/pcsc-infographic-by-the-numbers.pdf

24

United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition& Forestry Blog. (2023, September 14). Inflation Reduction
Act Leaves Farmers and Traditional Conservation Programs
Behind. Retrieved from https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/
newsroom/minority-blog/inflation-reduction-act-leavesfarmers-and-traditional-conservation-programs-behind

25

16

United States Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural
Statistics Service. (2017). 2017 Census of Agriculture, Chapter 1,
Table 1-Historical Highlights. Retrieved from https://www.
nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/CDQT/chapter/1/table/1

8

Anthro Insights, Inc. (2023). Social Sustainability
Among U.S. Soybean Farmers.

9

26

www.usses.org

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Agricultural
Research Service Timeline. Retrieved from https://www.ars.usda.gov/oc/timeline/comp/17*All years represented in this report are in marketing years.

35

By 2025, U.S. soybean
farmers aim to:

The Future of
Sustainable U.S. Soy

Reduce land use impact by 10% (measured as acres per bushel).

The SSAP is on schedule for a review and update in 2024.

Reduce soil erosion by 25% (measured as tons per bushel).

Based on projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Increase energy use efficiency by 10% (measured as BTUs per bushel).
Reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 10% (measured aspounds of CO2-equivalent gasses emitted).

and a historical analysis of SSAP shipments, 72.1 million metrictons of SSAP-verified U.S. Soy will be available in MY 2024.26
Ask your supplier for SSAP-verified U.S. Soy!

Learn more about U.S. Soy as a sustainable solution. Visit www.Solutions.USSoy.org
To request SSAP-verified U.S. Soy, visit www.USSES.org

This report is partially funded by U.S. Soy
farmers, their checkoff and the soy value chain.