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ASA and WISHH highlight importance of emerging markets

The executive director of the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health says growing populations are driving demand for more protein.

Gena Perry says the industry is targeting new markets for U.S. soy, which helps boost demand.

“The FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, sees that animal protein is expected to double by 2050,” she says. “These populations are growing as incomes are rising. People are wanting more protein, and I’ve seen that in many of the conversations that I’ve had around the world.”

During a recent webinar, she said that there is opportunity for market development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“26 of those countries are expected to double their current size, so that’s a lot of people that are looking for nutritious foods to eat,” she says. “It’s also a lot of people that are looking to grow their economies and have employment opportunities.”

WISHH is operated by the American Soybean Association and works to promote food security through the development of new markets for U.S. soy.