
US farmers can offer non-GM soybean products to India: USSEC chief Jim Sutter
A US-India trade deal could resolve several trade issues between the two countries, helping the Indian poultry industry gain access to 'sustainably verified' US soybean feed products, while allowing the US to partially offset potential losses arising from trade tensions with China, CEO of the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Jim Sutter, told The Indian Express.
Sutter said he does not view regulatory challenges in India around genetically modified (GM) products as a non-tariff barrier, as US soy farmers have both GM and non-GM products to supply to India and elsewhere. This comes amid regulatory restrictions in India concerning GM seeds and products, which have been described by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as barriers to trade.
'The progress in trade deals between India and the US could help resolve differences on trade, and both countries stand to benefit. US farmers have both GM and non-GM options available for India and I see GM as a matter of choice, not a non-tariff barrier,' Sutter said on the sidelines of the U.S. Soybean Export Council's SUSTAIN SUMMIT conference.
'China began importing soybeans from the US in 1995. Within 10 years, China became the largest importer, but its total [soybean oil] exports also doubled, benefiting from US soybean imports,' Sutter noted.
Notably, during India-US trade talks, US demands have centred on greater market access—particularly for automobiles, whisky, and certain agricultural products.
'Sustainably verified US soy can play an integral role in meeting customers' evolving needs for sustainable sourcing—from livestock and aqua feed to soy foods,' Sutter said at the conference. He added that by choosing US soy, customers gain a competitive advantage while continuing to build trust in the market.
Highlighting the need for sustainable choices, USSEC said in a statement that customers are willing to pay 9.7 per cent more for sustainable or sustainably sourced goods. This market shift proves that sustainability is here to stay, and corporations that adapt will increase market share, mitigate risks, and continue to build brand preference.
'As sustainability drives purchasing decisions, the 'Sustainable US Soy' label gives companies a competitive advantage. Customers sourcing at least 60 per cent of their soy from the US for food and animal feed products qualify to use the 'Fed with Sustainable US Soy' label on their packaging. Whole soybean products must contain 90 per cent verified sustainable soy to qualify for the 'Sustainable US Soy' label. These labels serve as markers of supply chain transparency,' USSEC said.
While sustainability has recently become a trend, US soy farmers have been implementing sustainable practices for decades, USSEC said. It added that methods such as precision agriculture, crop rotation, and water management have decreased soil erosion and improved soil quality.
'Since 1980, US soybean farmers have improved soil conservation by 34 per cent,' according to a USSEC statement.
(The reporter was in Colombo at the invitation of USSEC)
Ravi Dutta Mishra is a Principal Correspondent with The Indian Express, covering policy issues related to trade, commerce, and banking. He has over five years of experience and has previously worked with Mint, CNBC-TV18, and other news outlets. ... Read More
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