Resilient Soy Supply Chains Navigating Sustainability in a Changing World

AIC's Head of Animal Feed, James McCulloch, recently attended the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) conference in Amsterdam, where industry representatives from across Europe and beyond gathered to discuss the future resilience of soy supply chains.

Held at the historic Koepelkerk church in central Amsterdam, the conference brought together stakeholders from across what USSEC Europe, including delegates from the UK, Turkey and across the European Union.

As the UK representative on the panel, James joined a panel discussion entitled "Managing complexity for a resilient soy sector", moderated by Rosalind (Roz) Leeck, Managing Director of USSEC. Fellow panellists included:

Aykut Müftüoğlu, Member of the Board of the Turkish Feed Manufacturers Association
Claus Saabye Erichsen, Vice President of the European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC) and Secretary General of DAKOFO, the Danish Grain and Feed Trade Association
Nathalie Lecocq, Director General of the European Vegetable Oil and Proteinmeal Industry Federation (FEDIOL)

Together, the panellists explored the challenges and opportunities facing the soy sector as businesses adapt to evolving sustainability requirements and increasing supply chain complexity.

A key theme throughout the event was the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Delegates heard from Dutch competent authorities responsible for enforcing the regulation in the Netherlands and discussed the practical implications for businesses operating across international supply chains.

The role of Global Feed LCA Institute (GFLI) data and soy carbon footprint information was also a significant topic of discussion. Speakers highlighted the importance of ensuring environmental data can be effectively shared throughout supply chains, supporting greater transparency and helping businesses meet sustainability and reporting requirements.

The event reinforced the importance of collaboration across the feed, food and agricultural supply chains as businesses continue to navigate regulatory change while maintaining resilient and sustainable sourcing arrangements.