The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) hosted CrushCon and HungerCon in Dubai, UAE from December 12-14, 2023. CrushCon focused on the imperative role trade plays in collectively meeting the goal of food and nutrition security. Events like CrushCon and HungerCon underscore the need to meet South Asia’s rapidly growing demand for protein through sustainable practices.
Discussions at the event revolved around building trust, creating resilient supply chains, fostering economic growth, implementing sustainability practices, and the role U.S. soybeans play in the global food systems. With a participation of more than 130 industry leaders across the soy value chain from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the U.S. the importance of South Asia’s need for meeting its food and nutrition security was highlighted. in the event.
Reflecting on themes of CrushCon, Kevin Roepke, Regional Director, South Asia and Sub Saharan Africa (SAASSA) at USSEC added “Through trade, we open the corridors of making food widely accessible to many. For instance, while the U.S. is the largest food importer, it is also the largest exporter. By using the principles of comparative advantage, countries can grow their economies and accelerate the path to achieving food and nutrition.
Currently South Asia is challenged with meeting its demand for protein with its rapidly rising population of almost 1.8 billion people. According to UNICEF, South Asia is also the epicenter of ‘child wasting’ which refers to when children are too thin for their height and have not gained adequate weight required to be healthy. U.S. Soy’s nutritional bundle that can help address this growing demand for protein sustainable.
Esteemed speaker line-up included Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC, Stan Born, Chairman, USSEC, Kevin Roepke, Regional Director-SAASSA, USSEC, Jack Bobo, Director, Food Systems Institute University of Nottingham, Mac Marshall, Vice President-Market Intelligence, United Soybean Board, Takmila Shahid, S&P Global Platts, Mathew Clark, Founder, The Feed Guys, Darin Friedrichs, Founder, Sitonia Consulting and more.
At USSEC’s annual HungerCon – an initiative of the Right to Protein, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) was awarded for their outstanding research and innovation in agriculture. Every year, USSEC recognizes and awards the best candidate in the region that has dedicated their career in pursuit of food and nutrition security. Notable nominees included Dr Fareeha Talha, Fartal Pharmaceuticals, and Ram Kaundinya, Federation of Seed Industry of India.
As a leader in innovation, U.S. Soy also launched its Soy Coin game. The game allows users to learn more about U.S. Soy, while conquering challenges, competing with their friends and building their soy empire.
U.S. Soy play a pivotal role in feeding the world by providing nutritious feed for livestock and human consumption. With the right partnerships, trade and visionary thinking, U.S. Soy aims to build communities and nourish the planet.