Soy Canada has launched a voluntary, national program for soybean growers, grain handlers and exporters it says is designed to ensure access to premium markets and drive new market opportunities.
Sustainable Canadian Soy is a verified assessment program based on the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA), a globally recognized whole-farm sustainability benchmarking and assessment program. The FSA aligns with Sustainable Canadian Soy priorities, including land use efficiency, climate-smart farming, soil health, water stewardship, biodiversity and habitat.
“Customers have been asking for a verifiable sustainable program,” says Brian Innes, executive director for 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.”
Grower participation in the program is voluntary and includes completing an on-farm sustainability questionnaire about economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. The program was developed by Soy Canada with 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.
The program will be managed by participating grain exporters and handlers serving customers asking for sustainability verification, says Innes.
“At this time, interest in the program is coming from users of food grade and Identity Preserved (IP) soybeans,” says Innes.
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