Research & Innovation

Date: February 20, 2024
Category: Research & Innovation
Attribution: Summary based on public information from the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) regarding the Soy Excellence Center initiative.

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) announced the launch of the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) in India, a capacity-building program designed to strengthen technical skills and market literacy across the soy value chain. The center’s training focuses on practical topics in processing, quality assurance, feed formulation, food applications, and sustainability awareness—helping professionals translate best practices into day-to-day operations.

Program highlights

• Industry-aligned curriculum: Courses developed with input from processors, nutritionists, and technical experts to reflect current standards and operating realities.
• Hands-on learning: Emphasis on process control, key quality metrics, handling/storage, and documentation that support consistent meal and oil outputs.
• Career development: Tracks suited to early-career entrants and experienced professionals seeking updates on evolving technology and market dynamics.
• Networking: Sessions enable peer exchange among plant teams, feed formulators, ingredient buyers, and allied stakeholders.

Common technical modules

• Soy processing fundamentals: Conditioning, extraction, desolventizing-toasting, quality targets for meal and oil, and troubleshooting approaches.
• Quality & safety: Protein, moisture, urease activity, trypsin inhibitors, contaminants, and record-keeping for audits and compliance.
• Feed & food applications: Basics of feed formulation and the functionality of soy ingredients in food systems.
• Market literacy: Overview of price drivers, logistics, and trade considerations that inform procurement and sales decisions.

Expected impact

Participants report clearer benchmarks for process and quality control, better coordination between technical and commercial teams, and a stronger understanding of how operational choices affect product performance. By focusing on practical skills, the SEC aims to support a competitive, reliable soy ecosystem in India.

Looking ahead

• Advanced workshops on energy efficiency, by-product utilization, and data-driven process control.
• Deeper collaboration with universities and technical institutes to widen talent pipelines.
• Alumni refreshers to keep pace with evolving standards and market requirements.

Editor’s note & disclaimer

This article is an independent summary intended for informational use. It does not reproduce proprietary text or imply endorsement by USSEC or affiliated organizations. For official updates, please refer to USSEC’s communications and Soy Excellence Center resources.

Further information

U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) — public resources
Soy Excellence Center (SEC) — training information and updates