At the request of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, NAEGA President Gary Martin met with an industry team from Europe concerned with soybean imports.  USSEC invited the group to examine the “sustainable” U.S. soybean supply chain and how the USSEC sustainability certification works.

The group, comprised of decision makers and thought leaders in procurement of feed ingredients, is primarily concerned with the competitiveness of EU livestock production in light of consumer and regulatory demands related to sustainability as well as GMO content. After discussing efforts in the UK and EU level related to soy assurance schemes including the FEFAC soy benchmark program, the dialogue at the meeting included an exchange of perspectives on sustainability issues, pesticides i.e. glyphosate and paraquat, and plant breeding innovations including GMO.  The US election, the TTIP and BREXIT were also the subject of comments and consideration.

Ultimately, and with the anticipation increased regulatory requirements including new sustainability mandates for food products, the group requested increased NAEGA member as well as association collaboration and effort to assist in meeting the consumer and regulatory challenges to the EU animal feed industry.