Thai Times

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Monday, Mar 16, 2026

US Soybean Council Collaborates with Thailand to Boost Food Security and Promote Sustainable Soybean Production in ASEAN

The US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) has announced its commitment to helping Thailand and the ASEAN region enhance food security, with a focus on soybean production.
This comes after Thailand's government pledged to increase soybean production for domestic consumption and industrial use.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has emphasized the need to raise productivity, which includes revising a notification on genetically modified organism (GMO) soybeans to allow their cultivation in Thailand.

USSEC representatives were in Bangkok to discuss collaboration and support for Thailand's soybean production goals.

The text discusses the current restriction on the cultivation of genetically modified soybeans in the US for domestic use, while imports of GMO soybeans are allowed.

Timothy Loh, USSEC regional director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, emphasized the importance of the ASEAN region as a key market for the US soybean industry, particularly in countries like Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Myanmar.

Loh expressed the US's commitment to fostering economic growth through collaborations and investments in the region.

He also acknowledged the need for countries to increase their domestic production for food security and offered the US as a reliable trading partner for high-quality agricultural products to meet the growing demands in Southeast Asia.

The text discusses the increasing global demand for soybeans, particularly in Southeast Asia, due to the region's limited arable land and economies of scale.

Jim Sutter, CEO of USSEC, emphasized the versatility of soybeans and their use in both human and animal food products.

He noted that the focus on protein-rich diets has driven a significant increase in soybean demand over the past two decades.

Additionally, Sutter highlighted the emerging market for plant-based proteins, which presents new opportunities for high-value, minimally processed soybeans.

Despite this growing demand, supply growth has not kept pace, indicating a continued imbalance.

The text discusses the importance of soybean production for global supply and its environmental sustainability.

Soybean production in the US has the lowest carbon footprint among plant proteins, making it a trusted partner for sustainable practices.

Thailand and Indonesia are among the top importers of soybeans in the ASEAN region, with Indonesia's high demand due to traditional dishes like Tempeh.

The US has made significant strides in agricultural technology, positioning itself as a global leader in Agri Tech, enabling farmers to produce more with less while reducing environmental impact.

The text discusses the advancements in seed technology over the past four decades, specifically in the US farming industry.

Modern equipment equipped with GPS and sensors allows for precise farming operations, leading to higher yields and efficient resource usage.

Farmers make better decisions regarding fertilization and seeding with the help of technology.

The US is open to sharing agricultural knowledge with partners.

Loh highlights growth opportunities in Southeast Asia, where soy-based food consumption is low, and the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is committed to promoting sustainability in the food and agribusiness sectors through cross-industry collaboration.

The United Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is collaborating with significant Thai food and agriculture manufacturers to encourage sustainable sourcing methods for food and animal feed components.

This initiative aligns with USSEC's dedication to a responsible and eco-friendly food supply chain.
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