December 19, 2023

Thai businesses introduced to US concepts of sustainable soybean production at Bangkok event

The Thailand Feed Mill Association (TFMA) organised a conference in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 15 where US experts introduced concepts of sustainable soybean production to local businesses.

The conference with the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) was titled "Strategic Insights into Sustainable Practices: A Conclave for Agricultural Stakeholders and Feed Millers". It was aimed at knowledge sharing and networking among stakeholders, and focused on sustainable sourcing throughout the value chain.

TFMA president Pornsil Patchrintanakul said Thai animal feed producers were ready and responsive to the global trend towards production of environmentally friendly products. He believed knowledge and expertise gained from the conference could be applied to the production of other types of animal feed.

Greenhouse gas emissions per kilogramme of US soybeans was significantly lower than for other proteins such as peas, chickpeas and broad beans from other origins, he said.

A significant focus of the USSEC's sustainability efforts lies in US Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) certification. The adoption of SSAP in Southeast Asia had risen from 19% in 2019 to 80% in 2023, conference attendees were told.

Thailand imports nearly six million tonnes of soybean seeds and soybean meals per year. Patchrintanakul said sustainable sourcing of the raw materials should be of more concern, rather than price.

- Bangkok Post