A new effort from DuPont, Soylent and the United Soybean Board will identify and label soy ingredients produced using sustainable practices.
The mark – Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy – will denote ag practices, including no-till and cover crops, “that deliver sustainable outcomes in biodiversity, soil carbon, water management, and overall soil conservation,” the coalition noted in a joint release. The mark is designed to show the soybeans used in a product “originated from a system of continuous environmental improvement.”
To receive the mark, soy ingredients will need to have been grown in the U.S., compliant with all U.S. environmental regulations, protect highly-erodible soils and wetlands, and were grown on family farms with responsible labor practices.
Interested in more news on farm programs, trade and rural issues? Sign up for a four-week free trial to Agri-Pulse. You’ll receive our content - absolutely free - during the trial period.
According to USB research, when a product is associated with the mark, nearly 70% of consumers familiar with sustainable farming said they would be more likely to purchase it.
The initial rollout of the mark will take place through March 19. After that pilot period, USB anticipates making the mark available to other interested companies through a USB-managed portal. Interested parties will be required to provide an overview of their supply chain, which will be reviewed by a third-party auditor.
For more news, go to www.Agri-Pulse.com.