We completed literature review and compiled export trade data to provide a foundational understanding of trade and nutrient flows and environmental impacts, and created the global soybean supply network and quantified comparisons of embedded GHG impacts for soy exports against local production. We also updated our FoodS3 model, developed the trade matrix, and incorporated comprehensive environmental data into impact calculations. We have shared the results of this ongoing work in a peer-reviewed research article and presented in seminars, and are in the final stages of writing a manuscript to publish findings from our global analysis of U.S. soy from this project, which will further extend knowledge dissemination.

The goal of this project is to quantify the environmental impacts associated with U.S. soybean and soybean meal import and export flows. This will enable the comparison of U.S. exports with soy from other countries of origin and highlight where U.S. soy exports can improve the sustainability of pork and broiler production among major import countries. This is the right time for this proposal because these new “value-added” attributes for U.S. soybean meal will encourage greater demand and use of the projected surplus of soybean meal from increased crush capacity that will occur during the next few years. This project will provide essential information needed for promoting the environmental sustainability benefits of U.S. soybean meal, pork, and chicken production to export customers.