Illinois Producers Witness Soy at Work Improving Nutrition in Central America

BLOOMINGTON, IL -- April 27, 2010 -- Illinois soybean leaders have witnessed how soy protein, made from Illinois soybeans, is making a difference in the lives of hundreds of Central American children. Meetings in Guatemala and Honduras also showed how Illinois soybean farmers aren’t alone in their appreciation for Illinois soy.

Illinois Soybean Association District 2 Director Pat Dumoulin, Hampshire, traveled to Guatemala in January.  Dumoulin and the following ISA directors who are also soybean producers traveled to Honduras in February:  C.W. Gaffner, District 13 Director, Greenville; Tim Scates, District 18 Director, Shawneetown; and Bill Wykes, District 4 Director and ISA Treasurer, Yorkville. They participated in World Soy Foundation and World Initiative in Soy Human Health (WISHH) meetings and programs where the National Soybean Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois also plays an important role. Both trips allowed the farmers to meet and discuss the role of U.S. soy with representatives from Central American governments, businesses, foundations, pediatric associations, Rotarians and CARE. They also met children whose lives have improved thanks to Cargill soy protein used in a Cargill-sponsored World Soy Foundation project.

"We know as soybean farmers that we have a great product," said Bill Wykes. "We have to educate about Illinois soybeans and soy protein. Cargill-supported feeding programs in schools and daycares have shown proven results for the children."

"I was impressed with the associates of Cargill in Central America," Wykes says. “They showed a desire to improve their communities and the lives of their neighbors. With the help of their employer they have chosen to go above and beyond their job and become involved outside of work to help others."

Nathan Ruby with Guatemala childrenWorld Soy Foundation Executive Director Nathan Ruby with Guatemalan Children enjoying improved health through soy-enhanced foods.

Central American government and business leaders attended the World Soy Foundation’s conference on how soy nutrition programs fit well with government and corporate social responsibility efforts. After hearing their speeches Wykes says, "They know soy protein is essential and soy is definitely something they should use in their nutritional programs."

Gaffner says the trip allowed him to see that Central Americans recognize that soy protein is a cost-effective way to improve nutrition. This nutrition has immediate as well as long-term value. "It’s money well spent when you can use our soybeans to improve health."

Farmer support of the World Soy Foundation Acre Challenge is providing beneficial leveraging of resources with those from corporations and foundations. World Soy Foundation Executive Director Nathan Ruby, a resident of Illinois, and the farmers were able to explore many partnership opportunities while in Central America. “We are now following up with companies with facilities in Central America who are concerned about the health of their employees as well as their employees’ children," Ruby says. "When their kids are unhealthy, the employees can’t be as productive and they miss work."

In Guatemala and Honduras, nearly half of all children under age five are chronically malnourished in many areas.  A drought is making malnutrition even more widespread in Guatemala this year, according to U.S. Embassy staff who briefed Dumoulin while there.