CHICAGO — Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) representatives shared the organization’s sustainable agriculture approaches with 13 agricultural editors from the European Union (EU) last week. ISA hosted the editors in Chicago Sept. 15 as part of a sustainability media tour sponsored by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). The EU delegation included editors from Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Kingdom.
During the meeting, editors learned how Illinois farmers get soybeans to customers in the most sustainable ways possible through wise use of resources, efficient transportation and environmental stewardship. The group previously had toured several farms to witness agricultural practices that improve soil and water quality while reducing energy and inputs.
“USSEC organized this visit to demonstrate the commitment of Illinois soybean producers to the principles of sustainable soybean production,” says Eugene Philhower, USSEC representative for Northern Europe. “We need the help of our European ag media contacts in spreading the message that U.S. soybeans are high quality and sustainably produced.”
In addition to visiting Illinois farms and the ISA office, editors toured a soybean crushing plant and visited a pork production facility for a full view of sustainable soybean production practices.
“We in Illinois are proud of our record of agricultural sustainability. Our industry continues to strive for improvements throughout the soybean supply chain,” says Craig Ratajczyk, ISA chief executive officer. “Hosting delegations such as this one is another way for ISA to continue to position Illinois as the world’s preferred soybean source.”
Since opening its doors earlier this year, the ISA Chicago office has hosted multiple trade groups and stakeholder meetings to help bolster demand for Illinois soybeans.
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and profitability research, issues analysis, communications and education. Membership and advocacy efforts support Illinois soybean farmers interests in local areas, Springfield and Washington, D.C., through the Illinois Soybean Growers. ISA programs are designed to ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality, most dependable, sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org.
— Illinois Soybean Association
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