This two-year project is intended to ensure that USB’s soy sustainability efforts, including analysis of sustainability progress and future pathways, are aligned with global sustainability standards and protocols identified as most appropriate for U.S. soy. Year One of this project reviewed over 125 guidance documents, reports, industry sustainability programs, USB/USSEC funded studies and sustainability programs. As a result of these efforts, the following outcomes were defined: four soybean producer and industry sustainability measurement and reporting (SMR) pathways, and their objectives, key components of a SMR pathway and relevant guidelines associated with the SMR pathways. In addition, a summary and mapping of other agricultural industry sustainability and USB’s and USSEC’s SMR efforts were completed. These outcomes will serve as the foundation for Year Two of the project.

The four soybean producer and industry Sustainability Measurement and Reporting (SMR) pathways will serve as the foundation for Year Two of the project and can be used in meetings with various audiences including farmers, USB Directors and staff, and soy industry stakeholders when discussing U.S. soy’s sustainability efforts. These outcomes and activities will provide guidance and support to assist USB with developing its sustainability strategy. As a result, the efforts ensure that the U.S. soy industry is a leader in providing sustainability-produced soybeans to its customers now and into the future, therefore creating unique value through differentiation and reputation.