Soy protein is an important component of diets around the world.
Choose U.S. Protein First U.S. soy’s approach lifts all protein sectors BY BETHANY BARATTA
T
he world is projected to be home to 8.5 billion people in 2030. That’s an additional 1 billion people who will need essential nutrition, like protein. The U.S. soybean industry is leading the charge to put protein first. The United Soybean Board (USB) is spearheading the Choose U.S. Protein First campaign, a unique collaboration between major U.S. protein sector organizations to fulfill a growing demand for protein globally. A partnership with USB, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), American Soybean Association (ASA), World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and animal protein
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organizations, Choose U.S. Protein First reinforces the critical role U.S. soybeans play in global food security. The initiative launched last fall and is being embraced through programming and outreach efforts. “It takes protein to grow,” says Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) President Tim Bardole. “It is advantageous for the United States and producers everywhere to do everything we can to get protein into these growing countries for their stability.” Growth of plant-based protein and meat alternatives is anticipated to increase from $4.6 billion in 2018
to $85 billion in 2030, according to a study by the Swiss investment firm UBS. In addition, meat consumption continues to rise globally and will maintain that upward trajectory at least through 2030. “We firmly believe protein — particularly U.S. protein — can fuel the people, the animals and the economies of the world,” says Polly Ruhland, CEO of USB. She understands the competitive environment for the center of the plate, especially when it comes to protein. Ruhland is a former CEO of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board.
