US Soybean Export Council sees potential for collaboration in Lanka’s aquaculture sector

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Sri Lanka’s expansive coastline and strategic location make it an ideal candidate for the growth of the aquaculture industry, according to Kevin Roepke, the Regional Director for the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC). In an interview with The Sunday Island, Roepke expressed the council’s interest in expanding its collaboration beyond the poultry industry and into aquaculture in the future.

Roepke acknowledged that USSEC currently works extensively with Sri Lanka’s poultry industry, and their recent efforts involve encouraging major poultry producers to adopt the “Sustainable U.S. Soy” label. This label is granted to customers who verify the sustainability of their soybean purchases using the U.S. Soybean Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP). The SSAP acts as a trusted third-party verification that soybeans meet defined sustainability standards, allowing businesses to demonstrate their commitment to sourcing sustainable soybeans.

“The Sustainable U.S. Soy label can set New Anthoney’s apart from its competitors and provide added value by aligning their corporate sustainability policies with their supplier guiding principles,” Roepke said.

He said that today’s consumers are increasingly conscious of their food choices, focusing on various attributes, including health and the sustainability of supply chains. Citing a McKenzie study, Roepke noted that 60 percent of people are willing to pay more for sustainable products, indicating a growing trend toward sustainability in the market.

Sri Lanka, as a nation, is actively striving to adopt sustainable practices across various sectors, with a dual objective of mitigating climate change and ensuring food security. Roepke highlighted that the USSEC’s vision and practices align with Sri Lanka’s overarching sustainability goals.