U.S. Identity Preserved helps trace grains back to fields of origin
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
A U.S. ag industry organization has launched a new food traceability program.
The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA), a national association of companies focused on production, processing and shipping, announced the creation of its U.S. Identity Preserved designation on Dec. 2.
This designation allowed manufacturers to trace grains from their fields of origin throughout the supply chain. And customers can make specific orders which IP producers can grow.
“With our U.S. Identity Preserved designation, we’re delivering a quality assurance plan that brings together the U.S. IP industry and reinforces the United States as a quality origin for those IP crops,” Eric Wenberg, executive director of the SSGA, said in a statement. “U.S. Identity Preserved will help U.S. processors and exporters broaden access and open more foreign markets, as well as better compete in the international market.”
Companies interested in participating in the program must apply.
The company must demonstrate it can trace products back to a defined point in the supply chain and that grower activities meet the requirements of an authorized plan.
Once all requirements are fulfilled, the company will be allowed to use the U.S. Identity Preserved Verified Mark.
Industry groups are looking forward to this new venture.
Global Processing, which processes food-grade, non-GMO IP soybeans, is among the participants.
“This program enhances our offerings in sustainable, traceable and regenerative products ensuring a stable, consistent and healthy global food supply,” Rob Prather, chief strategic ambassador with Global Processing, and vice-chair of SSGA, said in a statement.