ANKENY, Iowa—As the global population continues to increase, leaders of soybean-centric organizations like the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) are working on behalf of U.S. soybean farmers to find new ways to appease the growing demand for quality, protein-rich soy through trade in developing and emerging markets.
Morey Hill, an Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) director and soybean farmer from Madrid, has been elected Vice Chair of ASA’s WISHH Executive Committee for the upcoming year. He joins five agricultural leaders from across the country to lead the governing body to develop and further expand long-term markets for homegrown soy around the world. These officers include Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare (ASA-Ill.) as Chair, Bob Haselwood (Kan.) as Treasurer and Craig Williams (Ind.) as Secretary. Three new WISSH committee members, including Bill Wykes (ASA-Ill.), Roz Leeck (USSEC) and Tony Mellenthin (USB-Wis.), will serve as non-voting ex-officio appointees for their organizations.
“WISHH plays an important role in finding new and developing markets for our soybeans, especially in places where the demand for protein in human nutrition or animal feeds hasn’t been fully tapped,” says Hill. “I’m honored to continue representing Iowa soybean farmers in this position and look forward to relaying the initiative’s valuable work to soybean growers in the state.”
Established 22 years ago, WISHH works globally and with local entrepreneurs to connect trade and development across global market systems, improving food security. Overseen by American farmers, WISHH works in focus regions throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia, and beyond. The organization strives to build success in aquaculture, poultry, human nutrition, and global food security.
In June, Hill joined fellow U.S. soybean leaders in Cambodia to witness how state and national soy checkoff funding, as well as WISHH’s U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress Project, has allowed the organization and strategic partners to grow the Cambodian aquaculture industry through soy-based fish feeds.
The group visited with local farmers benefiting from production technology introduced by WISHH with soy checkoff investment, including in-pond raceway and aeration systems, as well as a fish distribution company that upgraded food safety and labeling products through WISHH’s USDA project. The group also toured AgriMaster, a local purchaser of U.S. soybean meal and supplier of soy-based feeds throughout Cambodia’s provinces, to see a multimillion-dollar construction project that expands the companies’ ability to supply soy-based feeds for fish and livestock in the country.
In recent decades, Cambodia has experienced a sharp increase in aquaculture production due to increased demand for fish domestically and abroad, advancements in technology and improved access to protein-rich feeds. A report from Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration showed the country saw more than $1.7 billion in profits in 2021 from the aquaculture and freshwater fishery industry – supporting local economies and driving demand for U.S. soy used in protein-rich aquaculture feeds.
“Alongside support from WISHH partner groups, continued investment by U.S. soybean farmers through national and state soybean checkoff organizations will allow the initiative to keep building and advancing global markets critical to improving food security and growing demand for homegrown soy,” says Hill.
(contributed press release, ISA)
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