By 2020, EU Member States are required to fulfill at least 20 percent of their total energy needs with renewable sources, with at least 10 percent attributed directly to transport fuels. This presents a new biofuels market opportunity for U.S. farmers, who are ready to deliver certified, sustainably-grown soybeans that will positively impact EU air quality.
Bubba Simmons III is a director for the United Soybean Board (USB) and a Mississippi soybean farmer. He talks about the Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol-Renewable Energy Directive (SSAP-RED) Program, developed by the USB ad the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC). He also discusses what makes this program different from the standard SSAP program.
Simmons says while there is no premium coming back to the farmer, but they should actively participate in any opportunity to increase global demand.
Simmons says the sign-up process is very simple. In fact, he was one of the first producers to go through the process.
Bunge is the first elevator company to get export certification under the SSAP-RED program. This certification will include elevators in eight states, including Iowa.
