ISA » Sustainability » Definition

Sustainable soybean farming means taking care of today's needs while making sure future generations can take care of their needs.

What Does Soybean Sustainability Mean?

ISA employs the International Oilseed Producers Dialogue's (IOPD) sustainability definition:

Sustainable agriculture production systems will meet the needs of the present while improving the ability of future generations to meet their own needs by:

• Increasing productivity to meet all future needs while decreasing impacts on the environment.
• Improving access to safe food and feed, and the production of fuel that reduces air quality impacts.
• Improving the social and economic well-being of agricultural producers and the global community.

Illinois soybean farmers blend good business practices with good environmental practices to achieve sustainability goals.

From Definition to Action

Farmers put this definition into action every day:

• Social: Farmers provide a safe, nutritious food supply for people in Illinois and around the world by growing large quantities of high-quality soybeans.
• Environmental: New technologies and best practices increase productivity while reducing environmental impacts.
• Economic: As profitable businesses, Illinois farms enhance the social and economic well-being of local communities.

Emerging Certification Standards in the Marketplace

Sustainability has become so important to soybean marketers and overseas buyers that sustainability certification standards are beginning to emerge. The European Union is considering a measure that would require only "sustainably produced" soybeans be used in biodiesel production. In fact, the Netherlands (the largest importers in the EU) will use only sustainable soy for biofuel beginning in 2015.

Illinois farmer Ron Moore's combine uses GPS guidance to measure soybean yield down to a few square meters, so fertilizer and other inputs are applied precisely where they are needed.

For farmers: Sustainable farming methods are becoming just as important as crop quality. Complying with these standards is essential to maintain access to international customers. ISA is exploring certification and accreditation standards to help Illinois soybean farmers comply with emerging requirements.

For customers: One of ISA's most important roles is informing customers about all the sustainable management practices already in use in Illinois. We want farmers to be properly recognized for what they're doing. 

For customers and end users: We're also focusing on downstream gains made possible by sustainable soybeans. For example, overseas buyers often increase livestock or aquaculture productivity by using soybean meal. In addition, soybeans are a renewable ingredient for many industrial products. Production efficiencies like these bring significant value to the larger economic picture as a result of our focus on sustainability.