New voluntary program will ensure Canadian soybean growers, grain handlers and exporters meet the needs of premium markets.
By Andrew Joseph, Farms.com; Image by CJ from Pixabay
In case you missed it, Soy Canada is offering a new voluntary program it believes will benefit the soy and grain markets of this country and globally.
The Sustainable Canadian Soy program has been designed for Canadian soybean growers, grain handlers, and exporters to better meet the needs of global soybean customers—which will ensure continued access to premium markets and help drive new market opportunities for Canadian soy.
“Customers have been asking for a verifiably sustainable program,” stated Brian Innes, the Executive Director of Soy Canada. “Sustainable Canadian Soy is a market-driven solution that will enable our industry to compete for market share and enhance the sustainability of Canadian farms and the entire soybean value chain.”
Soy Canada said that its program utilizes the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA), a globally-recognized whole farm sustainability benchmarking and assessment program that focuses on meeting customer needs and values.
Innes said that the FSA aligns with Sustainable Canadian Soy priorities, including land-use efficiency, climate-smart farming, soil health, water stewardship, biodiversity, and habitat.
As noted, grower participation in the program is voluntary. Participants will have to complete an on-farm sustainability questionnaire about economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
“At this time, interest in the program is coming from users of food grade and Identity Preserved soybeans,” said Innes.
The new Sustainable Canadian Soy program was developed by Soy Canada with extensive farmer and industry consultation and is funded in part through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriAssurance Program. The Sustainable Canadian Soy program will be available for the 2023 growing season.
“When it comes to market growth and innovative gains in quality and production, soybeans are a Canadian success story,” added the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This investment will enhance Canada’s reputation as the best source of sustainably produced soybeans in the world and create new market access opportunities.”
The program will be managed by participating grain exporters and handlers serving customers asking for sustainability verification.
Innes noted that the Sustainable Canadian Soy program has already been welcomed by international customers in discussions with the exporters and handlers during a recent Indo-Pacific mission.
“Canadian soybean growers are already following sustainable practices, and many participate in value-added programs that meet the needs of customers and offer premiums,” Innes commented. “Sustainable Canadian Soy is one more way we can provide value to our customers, keeping access to markets that add value to Canadian soybeans.”
Formed in 2014, Soy Canada is a national value-chain organization for the soybean sector, including seed companies, and Canada’s 30,000 growers, exporters, and processors. www.soycanada.ca.