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.
*Please note that the program is subject to change, including speakers and session times.
Executive Director - Market Access and Strategy
Regional Director - Northeast Asia
USSEC
Ms. Roz Leeck
Minister-Counselor for Agricultural Affairs
Embassy of the United States of America, Tokyo, Japan
Mr. Morgan Parkins
Session①
CEO Neural Inc.
Professor Shinshu University
Mr. Kenji Fuma
Session②
Food Manufacture Affairs Division
Ministry of Agriculture,Forestry and Fisheries
Mr. Keishi NII
Session③
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.
DIRECTOR – SUSTAINABILITY
USSEC
Ms. Abby Rinne
Session④
MERCHANDISER GROUP MERCHANDISE STRATEGY&PLANNING DIVISION
SEVEN PREMIUM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY&PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd.
Mr. Masanobu Haga
Discussion
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.
Ohio Till Farmstead Mr. Tim Schacht
COO,
KG Agri Products,Inc.
Mr.Takaaki Yamamoto
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.
Managing Director,
Agromeris
Mr. Jacob Golbitz
Vice President, Strategic Insight
/ Inova Market Insight
Mr. Tom Vierhile
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!"
Deputy Country Director,
USSEC Japan
Ms.Masako Tateishi
PBF Business Division Deputy Division Head,
FUJI OIL HOLDINGS INC
Mr. Ashida Shigeru
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.
PBF Business Division Deputy Division Head,
FUJI OIL HOLDINGS INC
Mr. Ashida Shigeru
Chairman
Japan Tofu Association
Mr. Kenji Miyoshi
Executive Vice President,
Taishi Food Inc.
Mr. Yuhei Kudoh
MERCHANDISER GROUP MERCHANDISE STRATEGY&PLANNING DIVISION
SEVEN PREMIUM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY&PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd.
Mr. Masanobu Haga
Chairman Researcher
Nikkei BP Intelligence Group
Shogo Fujii
This event will be held by Zoom (streaming). The recommended connection environment is a PC with a cable or WiFi connection.
When participating