USSEC Sustainability Symposium 2024
“The future and possibilities of sustainable soybeans”

Amid concerns about the protein crisis (the insufficient supply of protein), worldwide interest in soybeans is increasing like never before.

Soybeans have multiple uses, and both demand and production volume are increasing.

We have come to realize, however, that as a result of deforestation to open up agricultural land, global warming and climate change are arising, leading to the decline of soybean harvests and exerting an adverse impact on the global environment.

In these circumstances, efforts to achieve sustainability are becoming increasingly important.

In order to provide food for 9 billion people from the planet’s limited resources, it is necessary for not only producers, of course, but also companies and consumers to come together to promote sustainable production.

American soybeans, which account for 70% of the soybeans used to make soy foods in Japan, have promoted various initiatives toward sustainability so as to meet Europe’s requirement for “sustainable procurement,” which is a business premise.

At this symposium, representatives of the food industry, producers, and consumers will discuss the role and potential of soybeans from their respective standpoints and think about the sustainable future of soybeans, sustainable consumer behavior, and new business opportunities for Japanese companies. We very much look forward to your participation.

Overview

Title
USSEC Sustainability Symposium 2024
Date/time
Thursday, June 27, 2024;
11:00–13:45
Venue
Online symposium(Zoom/Live)
Language
Japanese/English (+ Simultaneous Interpretation)
Organizer
U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)
Co-organized by
Nikkei BP Intelligence Group
Supported by
U.S. Embassy, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
In cooperation
with
  • Sustainable Japan
Charge
Free of charge (Advance registration required)

Program

*Please note that the program is subject to change, including speakers and session times.

11:00–11:05

Opening

Opening Comment

Ms. Roz Leeck

Executive Director - Market Access and Strategy
Regional Director - Northeast Asia
USSEC Ms. Roz Leeck

Welcome Remarks

モーガン・パーキンズ 氏

Minister-Counselor for Agricultural Affairs
Embassy of the United States of America, Tokyo, Japan Mr. Morgan Parkins

11:05–11:50

Lecture: “The role and potential of sustainable soybeans”

This lecture will examine the impact of sustainability on soybean production and how soybeans can contribute to the food industry’s sustainable solutions in response to climate change.

Session①

The future and possibilities of Sustainable soybeans

Mr. Kenji Fuma

CEO Neural Inc.
Professor Shinshu University Mr. Kenji Fuma

Session②

Amendments to 「The Basic Law on Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas」

Food Manufacture Affairs Division
Ministry of Agriculture,Forestry and Fisheries Mr. Keishi NII

Session③

U.S. Soy Sustainability

Due to time constraints, some parts of the video will be edited from the original version and distributed.
The original version will be available on the USSEC Japan website at a later date.

Ms. Abby Rinne

DIRECTOR – SUSTAINABILITY
USSEC Ms. Abby Rinne

Presentation Material

Session④

Initiatives for Sustainable Procurement by Seven & i Holdings (Tentative)

Mr. Masanobu Haga

MERCHANDISER GROUP MERCHANDISE STRATEGY&PLANNING DIVISION
SEVEN PREMIUM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY&PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd. Mr. Masanobu Haga

Discussion

11:50–12:05

Lecture: “The Present, Future, and Diversity of Sustainable Agricultural Practices”

We will introduce initiatives to address agricultural issues utilizing technology and sustainable farming methods and to leave better land for the next generation, together with videos of principal makers and case studies of exporters to Asian markets.

Mr. Tim Schacht

Ohio Till Farmstead Mr. Tim Schacht

Mr.Takaaki Yamamoto

COO,
KG Agri Products,Inc. Mr.Takaaki Yamamoto

12:05–12:45

“Global trends in the soy food market: Sustainable consumer behavior and market strategy”

Putting the spotlight on sustainability, we will discuss the motivation of consumers to choose sustainable products and food and explore new approaches to promote ethical consumption. In particular, the trends of plant-based food, fermented food, and gluten-free products are gaining momentum in North America and Europe, and there are enormous opportunities in the world soy food market. Going forward, Japanese companies will be pursuing strategies for achieving success in this market.

Mr. Jacob Golbitz

Managing Director,
Agromeris Mr. Jacob Golbitz

Mr. Tom Vierhile

Vice President, Strategic Insight
/ Inova Market Insight Mr. Tom Vierhile

Presentation Material

12:45–13:00
Break

U.S. SOYBEAN EXPORT COUNCIL SOY ANIME

Soy, a transfer student from the United States, attends a school where food made from soybeans takes center stage. This 'soy anime' series teaches about soy foods and eating habits, uncovering new discoveries about local soybeans and highlighting the appeal of sustainable U.S. soybeans to consumers. We are distributing this as part of our promotional efforts and are planning a sequel. Please enjoy it. Take a look!"

13:00–13:40

Short presentation

Adoption of SSAP in Japan: Current Status and Trends

Ms.Masako Tateishi

Deputy Country Director,
USSEC Japan Ms.Masako Tateishi

Session

Plant-Based Food Challenges and Taste Solutions

Mr. Ashida Shigeru

PBF Business Division Deputy Division Head,
FUJI OIL HOLDINGS INC Mr. Ashida Shigeru

Panel discussion

“Spreading worldwide! Earth-friendly and healthy sustainable soy products”

From traditional food products to innovative future-oriented ones, soy products boast a deep-rooted popularity. There will be an introduction to the products of soybean processing companies and discussion of what can be done to further grow the market and steer it into the future.

Mr. Ashida Shigeru

PBF Business Division Deputy Division Head,
FUJI OIL HOLDINGS INC Mr. Ashida Shigeru

Mr. Kenji Miyoshi

Chairman
Japan Tofu Association Mr. Kenji Miyoshi

Mr. Yuhei Kudoh

Executive Vice President,
Taishi Food Inc. Mr. Yuhei Kudoh

Mr. Masanobu Haga

MERCHANDISER GROUP MERCHANDISE STRATEGY&PLANNING DIVISION
SEVEN PREMIUM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY&PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd. Mr. Masanobu Haga

Shogo Fujii
《Moderator》

Chairman Researcher
Nikkei BP Intelligence Group Shogo Fujii

Application

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Contact Information

Contact Information