New conference to explore food industry’s soya dependency

The “From Soya to Sustainability” conference in Peterborough, England, will be exploring solutions to the food industry’s soya dependency. The conference will be held on Wednesday 22nd January, 2025, and is organised by partners in the Nitrogen Efficient Plants for Climate Smart Arable Cropping Systems project.

New conference to explore food industry’s soya dependencyThe UK food system’s “addiction” to imported soybean meal is a major contributor to current carbon emissions and a threat to sustainability therefore urgent action is needed. Speakers at the “From Soya to Sustainability” conference in Peterborough, England on Wednesday 22nd January, 2025, will inform and inspire delegates from across the agricultural supply chain on the need for change, with a focus on solutions and collective action. “From Soya to Sustainability” is organised by partners in the Nitrogen Efficient Plants for Climate Smart Arable Cropping Systems (NCS) project, a four-year £5.9M research programme involving 200 UK farms and 17 partners.

Headline speaker Philip Lymbery will emphasise the urgent need for change in our food systems. Lymbery is Global Chief Executive of Compassion in World Farming and author of Sixty Harvests Left: How to Reach a Nature-Friendly Future.

Gemma Hoskins, UK Director for Mighty Earth

Gemma Hoskins, UK Director for Mighty Earth, will stress the importance of robust regulations if British businesses are to eradicate illegal deforestation in soy supply chains. Her recent report Foul Play linked Brazilian soy to UK animal feed, and with recent figures suggesting an increase in deforestation in Brazil, the need to address this has never been more pertinent.

Other speakers include scientists and experts from the NCS Project, who believe that reducing our food system’s dependency on imported soya lies in increased production and use of peas and beans. The line-up includes Pete Ianetta (The James Hutton Institute), Jos Houdjik (SRUC), John McArthur (McArthur BDC), Tom Allen-Stevens (British On-Farm Innovation Network) and Lee Truelove (First Milk). Agrii agronomist Todd Jex will share his expertise on the benefits of beans and his secrets to pulse crops that perform consistently well. James Webster-Rusk of The Andersons Centre will share outcomes from the NCS Project’s first Cost-Benefit Analysis, which scrutinises the impact of increased use and consumption of UK-grown pulses.

Delegates will also hear from ‘Pulse Pioneers’ – farmers involved in the project’s on-farm trials. Rob Waterston and Paul Barnes will share their experiences with growing pulses, with John Seed also discussing his success with removing soya from his poultry unit’s diet.

Within the packed programme are ample networking opportunities for delegates to connect with like-minded experts from across the supply chain.

Roger Vickers of PGRO and lead of the NCS Project

Roger Vickers of PGRO and lead of the NCS Project, said: “We must have collective action if we are to tackle the problems associated with our industry’s dependency on imported soy. I urge anyone in the sector to make use of this opportunity to hear need for change, to future proof their businesses, contribute towards a more robust food system and ultimately a healthier planet.”

BASIS members can claim four CPD points for attending. To find out more and secure tickets, those interested can visit here.