In 2024, the “Year of Elections,” global leadership shifts are shaping new directions in trade and policy. CrushCon organised by U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) at Hotel Sofitel Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, embody this year’s theme, “Electing to Trade.” The conference was attended by more than 100 delegates from South Asia; India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka besides USSEC Team from Dubai and Senior Soybean Association Board Members from USA, brings into focus the connections between politics, trade and globalisation, particularly within supply chains, economic frameworks, and supply-demand factors.

The first day session opened with welcoming remarks from Mr. Kevin Roepke, Regional Director – South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa (SAASSA), US Soybean Export Council, who introduced the key themes for conference that included

Ms. Valerie Brown, Regional Agricultural Counselor at USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), who discussed market development in the GCC, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between USSEC and USDA. Mr. Kevin Roepke said “Food inflation squeezes the middle class and erodes disposable income. The easiest way to reduce food inflation and thus improve the standards of the middle class is to lean into trade. Through trade, we can make healthier food more affordable and available to the middle class of South Asia.”

Mr. Jim Sutter, the dynamic CEO of USSEC, shared insights into the soy industry’s growth and USSEC’s commitment to sustainable solutions in nutrition. emphasized how trade is an integral channel to provide food and nutrition security, Mr. Sutter highlighting its key benefit of moving goods from point of surplus to point of deficit.
While trade helps maximize income in producing countries it provides consuming countries with availability of competitively priced products. He discussed the power of comparative advantage citing the example of Costa Rica. While Costa Rica specializes in producing bananas and coffee, the U.S. specializes in soybeans and corn. Through trade, these countries mutually benefit from high quality and competitively priced products.

Mr. Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC presented a Special Appreciation to Mr. Kevin Roepke, Regional Director – South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa (SAASSA).

Mr. Lance Rezac, USSEC Chair, provided a perspective on how U.S. farmers are meeting the demand for food while remaining environmentally responsible. Mr. Lance Rezac, said U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) focuses on differentiating, elevating preference, and attaining market access for the use of U.S. Soy for human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed in 80+ countries internationally. USSEC members represent the soy supply chain including U.S. Soy farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses, and agricultural organizations. USSEC is funded by the U.S. soybean checkoff, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service matching funds, and industry.

In a session on “US Soy Policy Needs Post-Election,” Daryl Cates, Chairman, American Soybean Association (ASA), highlighted the priorities for U.S. soy in Congress’s lame duck session. He emphasized the value of Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) funding and the potential impact of future free trade agreements (FTAs) on U.S. soybean exports.

The keynote presentation was by Mr. James Fry, Glenauk Economis. A standout keynote fireside chat, “Electing to Trade,” featured former USDA Secretary Dan Glickman in conversation with Kevin Roepke, exploring how trade policies could evolve following global elections. The first day morning session concluded with the panel “Pakistan Two Years On,” sponsored by the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff, where Zain Mahmood and Shahzad Ali Khan shared advancements and partnerships in Pakistan’s agricultural sector. CRUSHCON Dubai and HUNGERCON Dubai continue to bring insightful dialogues, networking, and fresh perspectives toward a sustainable future.

The afternoon sessions of CRUSHCON Dubai continued to delve into the intricacies of global trade and its implications, with a focus on geopolitics, market dynamics, and sustainability. The keynote address on Geopolitical Economics featured Ms. Trinh Nguyen, Senior Economist for Emerging Asia at Natixis, who provided insights into the evolving landscape of emerging markets, particularly in Asia. Her perspectives, widely respected across international news platforms, are invaluable for understanding the region’s economic pulse. In the session titled Global Oilseeds Spotlight, David Mielke, Director at Oil World in Germany, addressed the relationship between low corn and soybean prices and their potential to drive a global boom in the livestock and poultry sectors. His analysis brought forward important discussions on supply and demand dynamics in the industry.

Mr. Jaison John, Regional Head of Market Intelligence- South Asia, USSEC spoke on “How Policies Have Distorted Regional Prices for Feed Ingredients” and shed light on the complexities of trade policies that have affected feed ingredient pricing, making previously affordable sources of animal protein some of the most expensive globally. The Freight Sector Spotlight, presented by Mr. Voytek Chelkowski from Seamind Blue Ocean, highlighted the impact of freight volatility on margins. He emphasized the importance of understanding FOB versus C&F purchase decisions within the current geopolitical climate.

A significant moment came with the SUSS Logo Signing, where Nepal joined the initiative for sustainability, welcoming five companies into the fold, including Valley Group (NP), Kosmo Feed Mills (SL), Adamjee Lukmanjee (SL) and Nel Farms (SL),. Presenting this initiative were Ms. Deeba Giannoulis, Dr. Pawan Kumar and Dr. Athula Mahagamage.

The afternoon concluded with a keynote address on US Soy’s Commitment to Global Nutrition Security, showcasing the dedication of senior USSEC leadership to enhancing global nutrition.

Recognizing Pioneers Making an Impact in South Asia’s Protein Value Chain Each year, through its HungerCon event powered by Right to Protein, USSEC recognizes and celebrates outstanding contributors to the protein value space in South Asia.

Ms. Deeba Giannoulis, Regional Head of Corporate Affairs-SAASSA, reflected on the origins of HungerCON and the legacy of past winners who have paved the way for advancing the discourse on nutritional security. This year’s esteemed ‘HungerCon Award’ was awarded to Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in India for her pioneering work in integrating science into health policymaking. Other notable nominations included Mr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture in Faisalabad, Pakistan and Mrs. Vibha Ahuja, Chief General Manager, Biotech Consortium India Limited from India.

The second day of CRUSHCON Dubai 2024 brought forward insightful discussions and innovative solutions aimed at advancing sustainability and global nutrition. Ms. Deeba Giannoulis, Regional Head of Corporate Affairs-SAASSA, introduced the Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol, showing how companies can integrate this framework to promote sustainable practices. She spotlighted businesses that have adopted the SUSS logo, signalling their dedication to eco-friendly initiatives within the soy industry.
Ms. Christelle Cordahi, Regional Human Utilization & Nutrition Consultant at USSEC, presented on the importance of incorporating diverse protein sources, both animal and plant-based, to support a balanced diet. Her insights underscored the essential role of soy in overall health.

Ms. Tori Sorensen, Chair of the SEC Global Advisory Panel, shared the impressive growth and influence of the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) worldwide, which have significantly contributed to knowledge sharing and training in the soy sector. By providing free, accessible and comprehensive training options, Soy Excellence Center empowers professionals to stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in their fields. Soy Excellence Center courses adds tremendous value to industry workforce engaged in the protein value chain.

Ms. Tori Sorensen, Chair of the SEC Global Advisory Panel, presented the ceremonial SEC lapel pin to Mr. Ricky Thaper, Regional Advisory Council (RAC) Member Soy Excellence Center-India.

Dr. Tom D’Alfonso, Director of Animal & Aquaculture at USSEC, highlighted the value of optimizing feed nutrient profiles, stressing that not all soy is created equal. He described how U.S. soybean meal is tailored to maximize nutritional benefits for poultry, fish, and shrimp. In an insightful session, Will McNair, Global Head of Human Utilization at USSEC, discussed the complexities of soybean oil processing. He explained how factors such as damage, maturity, and moisture levels significantly affect the quality of soy oil, emphasizing how U.S. soybeans lead in optimizing refinery operations.

The day concluded with a wrap-up by Mr. Kevin Roepke, summarizing key outcomes and insights from the sessions. He emphasized the collaborative spirit of the conference and its potential to drive positive change in the agriculture and nutrition sectors. Mr. Daryl Cates, Chairman, American Soybean Association, offered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants and speakers for their valuable contributions and commitment to advancing global nutrition security.

The CRUSHCON Dubai 2024 has truly set the stage for dynamic and impactful discussions. These conferences are a testament to the dedication of global leaders and experts in the fields of agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability. By bringing together thought leaders, industry professionals, and innovators, the events are fostering meaningful dialogue that is shaping the future of food systems.
The focus on sustainable practices and solutions demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing global challenges, ensuring a healthier and more secure future for all. It’s inspiring to witness how these platforms continue to empower collaboration and inspire change on such a significant scale.

Aug 19, 2024, San Francisco, USA: The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)’s Soy Excellence Center (SEC) India and Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders Association (KPFBA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate work-force training and capacity building within India’s rapidly growing poultry sector.

Reflecting on the significance of this partnership, USSEC’s CEO, Jim Sutter offered, “The foundation of our success with USSEC’s Soy Excellence Centers is in collaborating with industry experts. I am confident that this MoU between USSEC and KPFBA will open new avenues of innovation, progress and productivity for India’s poultry industry.”

Economic Growth Through Skills Training and Capacity Building:

Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Skills India’ initiative, this MoU will create opportunities for young protein professionals in India to advance in their careers, have access to a global curriculum and be future-ready while producing more sustainably. With 68% of its population in the 15-64 age group,^[1] the opportunity to harness the nation’s economic dividend seems promising. Having a shared vision of developing the next generation of protein professionals, KPFBA and USSEC’s SEC MoU will lay the foundation for continuous learning, knowledge sharing and boosting the progress and economic growth of the poultry industry.

Meeting the Growing Demand for Protein:

Home to the world’s largest population, India’s poultry sector recognizes the importance of keeping pace with the rising demand for animal protein and eggs. In 2022, India’s poultry production was estimated at 4.95 million tonnes. Through this strategic partnership USSEC and KPFBA are on a mission of advancing India’s poultry industry through upskilling, skills trainings and community learning.

On signing of the MoU, Mr. Naveen Pasuparthy, President of Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders Association (KPFBA) in India added, “This MoU enables KPFBA to offer access to digital online training programs delivered by global experts reaching every nook and corner of India’s poultry and feed milling sector. These programs and the delivery mechanism will help in workforce training, upskilling and capacity-building, for India’s rapidly growing poultry and feed milling sector. KPFBA also gets the opportunity to share, design and curate new programs with USSEC that can be delivered seamlessly on such a digital platform. It’s a pleasure for KPFBA to collaborate with USSEC on such initiatives.”

Empowering the Next Generation of Protein Experts:

As a part of the MoU, USSEC’s SEC program will provide training to KFBPA members on SEC’s digital platform. Participants will also have access to SEC’s exclusive global community called SEC Pods for networking and learning. KFBPA’s members will also be able to attend in-person SEC courses.

In return, KPFBA will facilitate in promoting SEC’s training programs among its members while ensuring continuous engagement and tracking of progress. Additionally, KPFBA will also facilitate in providing access to facilities and subject matter experts for collaborative trainings of mutual interest.

Cultivating Success through Collaboration:

Since its launch earlier this year, the SEC in India has also established the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) – a panel of 14 experts that provide guidance on course content and insights about the industry’s needs. The SEC in India is rapidly gaining momentum and to date has already trained more than 600 professionals across its feed milling, poultry and soy foods tracks. These steps illustrate SEC’s role in enabling innovation and building a more food-secure India.

About Soy Excellence Center (SEC): 

The Soy Excellence Centers (SEC), an initiative by the USSEC, focuses on skills building of early-to-mid career protein professionals in growing markets through world-class workforce training and professional development to help meet local nutrition and food security needs and support sustainable economic growth. USSEC is collaborating with diverse partners, including local food and agriculture universities and organizations, to deliver training in five core subject areas – aquaculture, feed, food, poultry, and swine. USSEC operates Soy Excellence Centers in four regional hubs – the Americas, Asia, Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

For more information, please visit: www.soyexcellence.org

About the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC):

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) focuses on differentiating, elevating preference, and attaining market access for the use of U.S. Soy for human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed in 80+ countries internationally. USSEC members represent the soy supply chain including U.S. Soy farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses, and agricultural organizations. USSEC is funded by the U.S. soybean checkoff, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service matching funds, and industry. Visit ussec.org for the latest information and news about USSEC and U.S. Soy internationally.

About Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders Association:

Born in 1991, KPFBA is a not-for-profit association of all poultry farming and feed milling communities in the state of Karnataka, India. It’s an apex body representing the poultry sector to the state and federal government with active involvement in the government’s policy formation for the sector. KPFBA and Karnataka Veterinary, Animal & Fisheries Sciences University established Poultry Training & Diagnostic Laboratory offering free services to the poultry farmers and breeders, addressing pathology, microbiology and nutrition. KPFBA conducts regular education and training programs for the poultry sector, state and federal government machinery as well. Associating with farmers, businesses, educational institutions, research organizations and other stakeholders both within the state, across India and overseas, enhancing information flow.  KPFBA undertakes surveys, studies and research projects. It also engages in national and international exhibitions, enters into MOUs with the government, educational institutions, skills development nonprofit organizations etc which may benefit the poultry sector. In 2018 and 2022, KPFBA was recognized as one of India’s premier poultry associations by the Indian Poultry Journalists Association. In 2015, Poultry Fortune, a leading poultry magazine recognized KPFBA as the “Best Poultry Promotion Award,” for outstanding contributions to the poultry sector.

(Source: https://ussec.org/)

Brightwell Aquatech LLP, owned by Mr Balasaheb Jadhav a Pune based startup promoted by Dr. Santosh Ire, has recently introduced a patented groundbreaking solution for water treatment challenges. This marks a significant milestone in the quest for sustainable and accessible clean water solutions.

Boom-Ox was the only Indian start-up to be selected for a presentation at Health & Nutrition Start Up Pitching 2024 organized at VICTAM Asia, on 14th March at Bangkok. This was indeed a proud moment for us!

While water is the most essential nutrition, it is least focused upon. However, 80% of all diseases globally, for both humans and livestock, are a result of consumption of unsafe water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.

This is where Boom-Ox, a patented engineering solution for providing safe, potable water for poultry, dairy, swine and cattle comes into play.

Salient features of Boom-Ox are:

• ORP based Automated Dosing of Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide with IoT facilities.
• ISRAELI Technology based water improver.
• A potent combination of Water Disinfectant and Acidifier to achieve desired goals
• Automated & sensor base technology to maintain ORP & pH continuously:24×7.
• All in one patented solution, we call it “Water Doctor”.
• Robust & maintenance free device

The mode of working of Boom-Ox is as follows:

• Water Inlet: Machine Installed at this point. Common inlet pipe from tank / source to the whole farm
• Water Conditioner: This helps to neutralise the majority of ions, metals and hardness causing agents.
• Flow Sensor: Helps to check flow of water and accurate dosing of medicines.
• Pressure Gauge: To maintain water pressure.
• Chlorine Dioxide Solutions: The two solutions need to be filled and refilled once a signal is received from the device. This solution can’t be changed by other source as it is calibrated with the control panel of the machine
• ORP Sensor: Helps maintain desired ORP (650+ mV) as set in the device
• pH Solutions: The acidifier solutions need to be filled and refilled once a signal is received from the device. This solution can’t be changed by other source as it is calibrated with the control panel of the machine.
• pH Sensor: Helps maintain desired pH (5.8-6.0) as set in the device or needed.
• IoT Device: This device is an indicator of all parameters which are set, and it sends notification messages. It needs to be implemented at the last shed and last row and last point so that water treatment can be done as per set limits of ORP and pH from last point to start point.
• Control Panel: This is the brain of the machine. It receives all signals and gives solutions as per given commands. Most important and patented instrument
• Entire machine is well assembled, dust proof, water resistance, rodents’ resistance and durable etc. Size of machine is approx one office table and can mount on wall easily.
• Maintenance free machine except minor calibration of sensors once in quarter which user can do at its own.
• Best ROI: Cost of medicines is almost equal to existing price, but it gives much better ROI than traditional ways of water treatment. 13- User can replaces all of his available solutions for water treatment including pipeline flushing and cleaning.
• During vaccination and medication, user can stop sensors and use normal non medicated water from same machine.
• For 1st installation and till smooth operations, company engineer will help.
• Other much more benefits which keep livestock healthy and owner happy.
  

For more information and queries call

Dr. Santosh Ire, +91 9850979652

or email: dr.ire007@gmail.com

During my recent visit to Canada, I had an opportunity to visit the state-of-the-art facility of SyntBioLab Inc based at Lévis, Quebec, Canada, a bioengineering company that develops alternative antimicrobials against pathogenic bacteria affecting livestock.

Ricky Thaper

SyntBioLab Inc., based in Levis, Quebec, Canada is doing pioneering work in providing alternatives to antibiotics for healthy growth of the livestock sector. After strengthening its presence in Canada, USA and Europe, the company is looking to expand its presence in Asia including India.

Antibiotics have been used for the past many decades in rearing poultry birds. Global livestock production continues to witness robust annual growth annually as the industrialised model of livestock and fish production spreads to several continents including Asia with poultry accounting for an increasingly large share of meat production globally. However antimicrobial resistance is emerging as a key issue in the poultry industry. It is this growing use of antibiotics that has resulted in increased concern over the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the poultry industry. Over consumption of antibiotics in animals raised for meat is linked to an increase in antibiotic resistant infections not only in animals but also in humans and in the environment.

Mr. Ricky Thaper with SyntBioLab Inc Senior Management Team in their office at Lévis, Quebec, Canada

During my recent visit to Canada, I had an opportunity to visit the state-of-the-art facility of SyntBioLab Inc based at Lévis, Quebec, Canada, a bioengineering company that develops alternative antimicrobials against pathogenic bacteria affecting livestock. The company set up in 2013 uses bacteriophages to fight bacteria infecting livestock. They provide animal health and public safety by avoiding antibiotic resistance. It uses bacteriophages to fight bacteria infecting livestock including poultry birds. They provide animal health and public safety by avoiding antibiotic resistance.
The company focuses on the development of natural, unique, and innovative solutions that are effective solutions that address the issue of concern. SyntBioLab has a strong culture of excellence that is transposed by its team to its high-added-value products for the industry.

Many facets of human life are affected by bacterial pathogens. Bacteria can cause both animal and plant diseases. Extensive use of antibiotics to contend with pathogenic bacteria has resulted in an increase of multi-resistance to antimicrobials. Even when antibiotics are used vigilantly, their application in poultry or other fields of animal production can lead to increased spreading of drug resistance. Natural adversaries of bacteria – bacteriophages – are now considered as an alternative to antibiotics. Reducing use of antibiotics is also important as decreased use of antibiotics in livestock should limit increases in emergence antibiotic resistant E. coli and other bacteria associated with foodborne infections in humans.

In the Group Picture (L to R) Mr. Viachesla Liato, Production Manager,
Mr. Rodrigue Dubar, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Mr. Ricky Thaper, Mr. Simon Labrie, Chief Scientific Officer and Mr. Nicolas
Lemire, Project Manager in their very well-established Laboratory.

As the industrial partner, SyntBioLab Inc. pursues the possibility of upscaled production and marketing of such a product. The company says that the isolation of such bacteriophages and development of an effective alternative to antibiotics would be a definite benefit to the partner organization. The company is led by very experienced and passionate Mr. Rodrigue Dubar, President and Chief Executive Officer of the board and founder since 2013. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science, Biochimie from University of Laval, Quebec, Canada.
According to Mr. Dubar, the project by SyntBioLab Inc is to identify and characterize bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) that can reduce the presence of E. coli bacteria that are an important cause of disease and production loss to the poultry industry. The reduction of levels of E. coli that can cause disease in poultry by use of bacteriophages would be an important means of controlling this economically important disease and also reduce use of antibiotics to control such infections.

Mr. Ricky Thaper with Ms. Julianne Langlais, International Trade Agent, Mr. Rodrigue Dubar, President and Chief Executive Officer and
Mr. Simon Labrie, Chief Scientific Officer, SyntBio Lab in their highly sophisticated production facilities in Quebec, Canada.

The company’s alternatives to antibiotics use bacteriophages offer high-rate metabolic optimization services related to industrial microorganisms, enabling scientists to develop new bacteria strains that improve manufacturing processes, especially in the dairy industry, protein production, and bacteriological population biocontrol. Mr. Simon Labrie, Chief Scientific Officer and partner with the company, was a postdoctoral fellow at the Chisholm Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and holds Ph.D. in Microbiology from university of Laval (Quebec), has nineteen years of experience in phage research. He is currently designing phage-based solutions to provide alternatives to antibiotics for the livestock and food industry. Mr. Labrie updated that Lytic bacteriophages (phages) are bacteria-specific viruses that can lyse and kill their bacterial targets. Unlike antibiotics which show broad range killing, bacteriophages only kill specific bacterial species or strains, and are harmless for others. One of the focuses of the company is to develop applications to control bacterial pathogens by using phages.
Escherichia coli is a major problem for food safety and animal health. In particular, in poultry including chickens and turkeys and other species, avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is the predominant cause of respiratory and systemic infection.

Mr. Viachesla Liato, Ph.D, Production Manager and Mr. Nicolas Lemire, Project Manager have been passionately working towards expanding the company’s presence across the globe. Primarily, SyntBioLab’s solutions aimed at limiting the impact of Escherichia coli in the poultry productions. Mr. Liato said that Bacterial pathogens of importance to animal health and food safety have major impacts on agriculture and food industries across the world. There has been an increase in bacterial resistance to antimicrobials, and antibiotic use in the livestock and poultry sector. The phenomenon is attributed to the likelihood of increased antimicrobial resistance. Alternative strategies to contend with bacterial pathogens within the food production chain are therefore needed.

Ms. Julianne Langlais, Business Development Director of the company is wholeheartedly pursuing expansion of the company around the globe. Ms. Langlais updated that the company has also filed a patent application on the subject ‘Bacteriophage composition and method of preventing bacterial infections in livestock,’. After establishing itself in USA, Canada and European markets, the company is looking at expanding its products presence in Asia countries including India.

As the Indian poultry industry is growing at around 7-8% annually, to protect poultry birds against AMR, the solution provided by the SyntBioLab Inc could help the sustainable growth of the Indian poultry sector. Mr. Rodrigue Dubar, President informed that the company is seeking to work with Indian counterparts to expand its presence here and to help poultry, dairy and aqua farmers in productivity enhancement through unique products which improves poultry birds’ health.