Why a UK Soy Manifesto

Time is running out to halt the devastating impacts of human activities on our planet.

The 2021 Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is clear: "global warming of 1.5°C and 2°C will be exceeded during the 21st century unless deep reductions in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gas emissions occur in the coming decades."

Deforestation and land use change driven by agricultural expansion account for 23% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, and commodities such as soy, alongside beef, palm oil and timber, are key global drivers.

Protecting forests is also critical to halt the loss of global biodiversity and to protect the rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities and forest peoples.

Question

What percentage of the global soy output goes into feed for animals?

Answer

75% of the world’s soybean crop is used as animal feed for poultry, pigs, livestock, and farmed fish.

The main driver underlying the increase in soy production is the growing global demand for animal protein – especially for chicken, pork, eggs, dairy, beef, lamb and seafood.

Despite increasing collaboration between civil society, soy buyers, soy users and Government, soy continues to be a driver of conversion in critical habitats such as the Cerrado and the Gran Chaco. Efforts by UK (and European) companies, platforms such as the UK Sustainable Soya Initiative, Cerrado Statement of Support (SoS) group, Soy Transparency Coalition and the Consumer Goods Forum Forest Positive Coalition are helping to drive change and develop the practical solutions needed but a step change in the pace of progress is required.