Soy Canada launches sustainability verification program
Soy Canada has launched a national, voluntary program to facilitate access to premium markets and create new market opportunities for soybean farmers, grain processors, and exporters. Sustainable Canadian Soy is a verified assessment program based on the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA), a globally recognized benchmarking and assessment program for whole-farm sustainability.
Satisfying Client Demands Sustainable Soy Production That Can Be Verified
Soy Canada developed sustainable Canadian Soy in response to consumer demand for verifiably sustainable soy production. Brian Innes, executive director of Soy Canada, says, "Customers have been requesting a sustainable program that can be verified." Sustainable Canadian Soy is a market-driven solution that enables the Canadian soybean industry to compete for market share and improves the sustainability of Canadian agriculture and the entire soybean supply chain.
Questionnaire on Grower Participation and On-Farm Sustainability
Participation in the Sustainable Canadian Soy program is voluntary and requires growers to complete a questionnaire regarding economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship on their farms. In addition, the questionnaire assists farmers in evaluating and enhancing their farming practices to satisfy the Sustainable Canadian Soy sustainability standards.
Certification for Canadian Producers of Sustainable Soy
After completing the questionnaire, participating farmers will be evaluated to determine whether or not their agricultural practices align with the Sustainable Canadian Soy priorities. If their practices satisfy the standards for sustainability, they will be certified as a Sustainable Canadian Soy producer. This certification ensures that the produced soybeans meet sustainability standards, making them more appealing to consumers seeking sustainable products.
New market opportunities for eco-friendly Soy
The Sustainable Canadian Soy program provides producers access to premium markets and a competitive edge in the marketplace, among other advantages. Innes says, "Food grade and Identity Preserved (IP) soybean users are expressing interest in the program." Farmers can generate new opportunities and revenue streams for the Canadian soybean industry by participating in the program.
Funding for Canadian Soy Sustainability
Soy Canada devised the Sustainable Canadian Soy program in consultation with farmers and the industry and is partially funded by the AgriAssurance Program of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The program will be available during the 2023 growing season and administered by exporters and handlers of grains serving consumers who require sustainability verification.
Conclusion
The Sustainable Canadian Soy Program is a verifiably sustainable program designed to ensure access to premium markets and generate new market opportunities for soybean farmers, grain processors, and exporters. Farmers can be certified as Sustainable Canadian Soy producers by completing a questionnaire on farm sustainability and aligning with Sustainable Canadian Soy production priorities. This certification provides producers access to premium markets and a competitive edge, creating new opportunities and revenue streams for the Canadian soybean industry. The Sustainable Canadian Soy Program is a market-driven solution that allows the Canadian soybean industry to compete for market share and improves the sustainability of Canadian agriculture and the entire soybean supply chain.
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