US soybean council expands collaboration to boost food security in ASEAN region

Three US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) representatives were in Bangkok recently to announce their commitment to helping Thailand and the region bolster their food security measures, with a particular focus on soybean production.

This commitment follows the Thai government’s pledge to boost soybean production in the country for domestic consumption and industrial use.

Since taking office, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has spoken about the country’s strategic vision on various platforms, underscoring his mission to raise productivity.

This endeavour includes revising the Public Health Ministry’s Notification No 431, which governs the production, import, and sale of genetically modified organisms (GMO) soybeans, thereby permitting the cultivation of GMO soybeans within Thailand.

Currently, only non-GMO beans are permitted for domestic cultivation, and all GMO soybeans are imported.

Timothy Loh, USSEC regional director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, who was in Bangkok on March 22, told reporters that the ASEAN region continued to be a key market for the US soybean industry, especially in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Myanmar.

“We remain committed to promoting regional economic growth through strategic collaborations and investments. As Southeast Asia evolves, we see enormous opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships that improve food security, promote sustainability, and drive economic prosperity for all stakeholders,” he said.

Acknowledging the imperative for countries, including Thailand, to bolster their domestic production for food security, Loh pointed out US’s readiness to serve as a reliable trading partner for Southeast Asian nations, offering top-quality agricultural products to meet their growing demands.

He explained that the region’s limited access to arable land and economies of scale require reliance on imports.

Jim Sutter, USSEC CEO, underscored the escalating global demand for soybeans, driven by their versatility and widespread consumption in both human and animal food products.

“Global demand for soy has risen dramatically over the last two decades, owing primarily to a focus on protein-rich diets. Southeast Asia has contributed significantly to this growth, with rising demand for soy-based products for human consumption and livestock feed,” he said.

Highlighting the growing market for plant-based proteins, Sutter pointed out the emergence of new opportunities for high-value, minimally processed soybeans.

“This scenario indicates that global demand continues to outpace supply growth. The demand also includes environmental requirements,” he added.

Since soybean production, particularly in the United States, has the lowest carbon footprint when compared to other plant proteins, Sutter said the US will be a trusted partner in sustainable production practices and quality to ensure a reliable global supply of soybeans.

According to USSEC data, Thailand ranks among the top five ASEAN importers of soybean, while Indonesia leads the list due to the substantial amount of soybeans needed for traditional dishes like “Tempeh”.

Lance Rezac, chairman of the USSEC board of directors, along with officials from the US Agriculture Ministry, explained how his country has made strides in the adoption of agricultural technology, positioning itself as a global leader in Agri Tech.

“Technology enables us to do more with less while continuously improving our environmental impact. Seed technology, in particular, has advanced dramatically over the past four decades. Modern equipment, guided by GPS and sophisticated sensors, allows for incredible precision in our operations,” he explained.

He added that the technology also helps US farmers make better decisions about fertilisation, seeding and other actions, resulting in higher yields and more efficient resource usage.

“We’re constantly adopting new technologies to further improve our efficiency and sustainability,” Rezac said, adding that the US was willing to share and exchange agricultural knowledge with partners.

Loh, meanwhile, pointed out significant growth opportunities in Southeast Asia, where per capita consumption of soy-based foods is relatively low compared to the West.

“[Hence] the USSEC is committed to promoting sustainability in the food and agribusiness sectors through cross-industry collaboration. The council is working with several major Thai food and agriculture producers to promote sustainable sourcing practices for food and animal feed ingredients,” Loh said, adding that this reinforces USSEC’s commitment to a responsible and environmentally conscious food supply chain.

Tags: Thailand, ГМО, food security, consumption, non-GMO, US Soybean Export Council, импорт, soybeans, АСЕАН, USSEC, Production