Family-Owned Soybean Farms Help Feed America, World

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- World Food Day is fast approaching and this Oct. 16, the focus will be on the 500 million family farmers in the world as a solution to end hunger. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates there are currently 803 million hungry people in the world, and the population is only increasing. It is essential to find a sustainable source for high-quality protein and critical nutrients. The answer can be found in the noble soybean, the only plant-based complete protein. The Soyfoods Association of North America would like to acknowledge and praise family soy farmers and their efforts towards sustainably feeding the world.

For many reasons, soy and soy products can help end the hunger issues being faced by the world.  Farmers are able to grow more soy crops with fewer natural resources than any other good source of protein, as soy requires less water, less energy to cultivate and less land. And with new technology and efficiencies, more crops are grown per acre than ever before. Soybeans do not require refrigeration and can safely and effectively be transported in developing nations, where perishable sources of protein may be costly and difficult.

This year's World Food Day theme, "Family Farming: Feeding the World, Caring for the Earth," recognizes the work farmers are doing as a key component to ending hunger. The 280,000 soybean producers in the United States work every day to be a part of the solution, like these soy farmers: 

• Deb Moore, Illinois 
  After marrying into the farming life more than 30 years ago, Deb Moore from Roseville, Illinois has turned farming into a way of life and also a business for herself, her husband, and her three children. "We have the opportunity to work with our children and teach them a good work ethic. We grow and raise food for others while being our own boss," Deb says of the pride she has in her farm and in their products. Her personal farming philosophy is to "Do your best and take pride in what you do, while protecting the land for future generations."
• Mike Harrison, Maryland
  Mike Harrison, a farmer in Woodbine, Maryland, was born into agricultural life more than 50 years ago on his father's farm. In looking back through the seven generations of farmers that came before him and his father, Mike describes farming as his "heritage and it's in my blood." Him and his wife of almost 40 years, Ann, believe the farm is a great way for their family to come together to provide valuable hard work and also have fun. "My personal philosophy on farming," he said, is "With world population exploding and grain reserves shrinking, farmers will have to become more efficient and rise to the task."
• Chad Bartek, Nebraska
  As a fourth generation farmer from Ithaca, Nebraska, Chad Bartek's family has been harvesting food from their land since 1918. Having been raised in a culture that focuses on family farming practices and early mornings in the fields, Chad enjoys working directly on the land and knowing that the grain and soybeans he harvests directly goes to feed people or to the livestock that will in turn provide sustenance for those people. Chad believes, "Taking care of the land allows us to produce as much grain as possible, giving the next generation the chance to farm, as I have. It's also important for us to be involved in the community in which we live."

The Soyfoods Association of North America and many of its members are working to help bring quality protein to feed those who suffer from hunger, to improve diets and health, and to empower and support family farmers in the U.S. and all over the world. The National Soybean Research Laboratory Associate Director, Bridget Owen, has authored an essay on Soy: A Promising Piece of a Global Food Solution.

Let's celebrate our national (and international) family farmers and all join in the movement to end hunger! Find out more at WorldFoodDayUSA.org. Did you know: 87% of farms in the U.S. are owned and operated by families or individuals.

About Soyfoods Association of North America
The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) is a non-profit trade association that has been promoting consumption of soyfoods in the diet since 1978. SANA is committed to encouraging sustainability, integrity and growth in the soyfoods industry by promoting the benefits and consumption of soy-based foods and ingredients in diets. More information is available at www.soyfoods.org.

Soyfoods Association of North America
Franciel Dawes, Technical Director
Andrea Cohen, Communications Director
202-659-3520
[email protected]

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SOURCE Soyfoods Association of North America