USSEC marks 30 years with Philippine feed pact

Reliability drives partnership

The Philippines has been the top export market for US soybean meal for nine consecutive years, underscoring the country’s reliance on U.S. Soy for feed production. This crop year, imports rose by more than 50%, adding over one million tons to shipments.

Carlos Salinas, USSEC’s East Asia Executive Director, said the surge reflects confidence in U.S. Soy and its role in supporting feed and livestock industries. He cautioned that global protein demand continues to outpace supply, framing food security as a matter of national security for Southeast Asia. Producing soybeans requires land, capital, and technology, he added, urging efficiency, sustainability, and cooperation to address volatility in global markets.

Mr Salinas emphasized that reliability in sourcing is not only about volume but also about consistency in quality, which has been a hallmark of U.S. Soy’s presence in Asia.

Local industry perspective

Echoing these concerns, PAFMI President Teddy Deocares described the MoU as a vital step toward agricultural sustainability. Rising demand for animal protein, disease challenges, and globalization pressures, he said, make efficiency and resilience essential.

Highlighting U.S. Soy’s sustainability assurance programs, Mr Deocares urged local feedmillers to adopt transparent practices, optimize production for lower emissions, and align with international standards. He stressed that the Philippine feed industry must adapt quickly to remain competitive, especially as regional neighbors accelerate their own sustainability initiatives.

“Together, we prove that profitable businesses and sustainability can go hand in hand,” he said, underscoring the need for industry‑wide cooperation.

Sustainability at the forefront

U.S. soybean farmers have adopted climate‑smart practices that reduce environmental impact while improving productivity. Programs such as the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol and the Sustainable U.S. Soy label provide verified credentials aligned with the Philippines’ growing focus on traceability and carbon footprint reduction.

Today, more than 95% of U.S. Soy exports to the Philippines carry sustainability verification, supporting feed manufacturers as they prioritize efficiency and resilience across livestock and aquaculture value chains. These programs not only assure buyers of responsible production but also help millers meet consumer expectations for transparency in food systems. The emphasis on sustainability reflects a broader shift in global agriculture, where environmental stewardship is increasingly tied to market access.

Outlook for growth

The Philippines’ feed industry is among the fastest growing in Southeast Asia, with total feed use projected to rise nearly one‑third by 2035. Poultry feed demand is expected to increase by more than 35%, while aquaculture feed is forecast to grow close to 30%.

Demographic drivers—young population, rising incomes, and strong demand for pork and poultry—reinforce this growth trajectory. Industry analysts note that the country’s expanding middle class is reshaping consumption patterns, creating opportunities for innovation in feed formulation and sustainability practices. With U.S. Soy commitments climbing sharply this year, opportunities for expanded technical collaboration and sustainability engagement are set to grow.

The anniversary program underscored that the relationship between U.S. Soy and the Philippines is not only longstanding but also forward‑looking. With a new agreement in place and rising demand across the sector, both sides are positioning for continued growth built on trust, quality, and shared priorities.