Sustainable soy strengthens food security in the Dominican Republic
3 minutes read
- Soy provides between 35% and 40% protein and, grown sustainably, contributes to food security, to caring for the planet and to the country’s economic development.
Santo Domingo, DR. – In recent years, sustainable foods have gained prominence because of their positive impact on both health and the environment. Among them, soy stands out for fulfilling three fundamental functions: contributing to the food and nutrition of people and animals, protecting the planet and driving progress by encouraging the country’s economic development.
From a nutritional standpoint, according to the United States National Library of Medicine, soy contains between 35% and 40% protein, making it an essential source of nutrients. It provides the nine essential amino acids, similar to those in animal protein, needed for growth, tissue repair and muscle development. It also provides 18 lipids, mainly unsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, beneficial for cardiovascular health; as well as B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B6, folic acid) and minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and zinc. It is a food suitable for both human and animal consumption.
According to the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), the grain provides complete proteins that are essential to nutrition. Luis Bustamante, sustainability market lead for Latin America at USSEC, says:
“American soy is grown with sustainable farming practices that maintain productivity over time, even in the face of climate change, drought, flooding or other disasters. That ensures a reliable, constant supply of nutritious food, helping to improve food security and nutrition, especially among vulnerable populations in the region.”
The poultry industry has benefited directly from the use of sustainable soy in feeding broilers and laying hens, since this input guarantees a high protein content and improves the quality of the products that reach consumers’ tables. Access to a reliable plant protein with international backing has made it possible to strengthen the production of chicken and eggs in the country, two of the most widely consumed foods in Dominican households.
On caring for the planet, “soy crops promote biodiversity, efficient land use, responsible water management and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to the mitigation of climate change. They also encourage practices such as reforestation, crop rotation and efficient nutrient management,” explains Fradbelin Escarramán, market lead for the Dominican Republic and Jamaica at USSEC.
Growing sustainable soy also strengthens the local economy, energising the value chain from farmers to end consumers, under international standards of sustainability.
The Dominican Republic is now establishing itself as one of the countries in the region promoting the adoption of responsible practices aimed at improving nutritional quality and reducing environmental impact. The country has become a strategic reference in the fight against malnutrition and in building more sustainable, competitive value chains.
It is worth noting that the Dominican Republic has nine companies carrying the Sustainable U.S. Soy mark: Agrotel, Endy, Agrifeed, Don Julio, Agrofem, Pets, Coave, Agropecuaria SSK and Coopcibao. In total, the region has 49 companies committed to this sustainability standard.
To close, sustainable soy from the United States makes a difference by promoting agriculture that nourishes people, respects nature and energises local economies. This comprehensive approach is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, reaffirming a commitment to people, communities and the environment.
About Sustainable U.S. Soy
Sustainable U.S. Soy is the brand that promotes and certifies American soy produced under responsible farming practices, verified by the Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP). The initiative guarantees that the soy is grown with lower environmental impact, improving the use of resources and promoting sustainable farming practices for food and for the future of the planet, allowing customers to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability
About USSECThe U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) promotes American soy around the world. Through innovation, sustainability and partnerships, we connect farmers with global markets. USSEC members represent the soy supply chain, including farmers, processors, commodity carriers, traders, allied agricultural companies and American farming organisations. USSEC is funded by the American soy voluntary contributions programme, matching funds from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and industry.