USA- The United Soybean Board (USB) and the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) released findings from a recent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study, showcasing a remarkable 19% decrease in the global warming potential (GWP) of the U.S. soybean industry.
This significant reduction, reported for the year 2021 in comparison to 2015, sheds light on the strides made in sustainable farming and processing practices within the sector.
The study, conducted by Sustainable Solutions Corporation (SSC), delved into crucial facets impacting environmental outcomes, ranging from cultivation and harvesting to transportation and processing energy usage.
Lucas Lentsch, CEO of the United Soybean Board, lauded the study’s role in empowering farmers to comprehend and enhance the environmental footprint of the soybean value chain.
He emphasized the pivotal role such research plays in bolstering the competitive edge of soybean-derived products across various sectors, spanning food, animal feed, biofuels, and industrial applications.
U.S. soybean production stands as a cornerstone of the national economy, witnessing a substantial surge from less than 50 million tons in 1970 to over 350 million tons in 2020. Notably, the United States holds a prominent position as a leading producer and the second-largest exporter of soybeans globally, constituting approximately 90% of the nation’s oilseed production.
The comprehensive study drew data from 454 soybean farms spanning 16 states, alongside operational insights from 52 soybean processors and 27 soy oil refiners. Its findings showcased a sweeping decrease in the carbon footprint across all U.S. Soy commodities in 2021, with significant reductions noted in soybean meal, crude soy oil, and refined soy oil.
Kailee Tkacz Buller, President, and CEO of NOPA, underscored the industry’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. She highlighted concerted efforts throughout processing and manufacturing operations aimed at enhancing efficiencies and curbing carbon intensity.
The decline in the soybean industry’s GWP owes itself to a myriad of factors, including refined land management practices, heightened land efficiency driving a notable 24% uptick in yields since 2015, alterations in pesticide application, and energy consumption patterns, alongside technological innovations in manufacturing processes, such as the transition from coal to natural gas.
Tad Radzinski, President of Sustainable Solutions Corporation, lauded the tangible outcomes stemming from prioritizing stewardship and embracing sustainable practices. He emphasized the LCA’s instrumental role as a beacon for continual improvement, facilitating the identification and rectification of key environmental impact drivers.
The findings of the LCA underscore a watershed moment for the U.S. soybean industry, heralding a paradigm shift towards heightened sustainability and environmental consciousness.
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