22 february 2009 

Based on two studies of the University of Wageningen, the Dutch minister of Agriculture Gerda Verburg has informed the Dutch Parliament on ‘the chances and risks of soy production for developing countries and the possibilities of using European alternatives for soy’. Minister Verburg reports that, based on the studies, she is of the opinion that:

• Peas, lupins and field beans can substitute soy as a source of protein in animal feed, however, large scale production of these crops depends heavily on subsidies and has a limitative return on investment;
• A better use of resources is to focus on a more sustainable soy production in Latin America. The researchers expect soy production to increase substantially in this region (25 percent) due to economic growth in China and South East Asia;
• The Round Table on Responsible Soy initiative, in which companies and environmental organisations cooperate to create a more sustainable soy production, is probably the most efficient way to make soy production more sustainable.

Letter of Minister Gerda Verburg to the Parliament (Dutch language)
Report Towards Sustainable Soy
Report Perspectives for soy replacement in animal feed (Dutch language)