USSEC attended a seminar given by the Bulgarian Feed Manufacturers Association on April 21. USSEC animal utilization consultants Dr. Jan van Eys and Dr. Iani Chihaia presented two keynote papers that focused on specific aspects of soybean meal differentiations and the advantages of U.S. Soy for feed production and formulation of feed products. Over 75 Bulgarian feed industry specialists attended the USSEC presentation with great interest.

“Thanks to USSEC’s efforts to join the annual conference, the Bulgarian feed manufacturers have access to the latest technical and soy market information,” stated Dr. Atanas Dardjikov, feed association president. “The information conveyed by the USSEC experts was very useful for us and we have gotten a clear message: U.S. Soy is nutritionally and economically advantageous relative to other origins.”
Dr. van Eys said, “It was clear that the general opinion was very positive and that the attendees agree with the fact that there are differences in soy products on the basis of origin, with U.S. Soy products being superior to other origins. In due time – and as markets increase in importance and openness – this should translate as increased demand for U.S. Soy and soybean meal.”
During the conference, the USSEC Award of Appreciation was presented to Dr. Dardjikov in honor and recognition of his extraordinary service, dedication to profession, outstanding leadership, and tireless efforts in building a successful partnership between the Bulgarian and U.S. feed industries.
Before and after the event, the USSEC consultants visited with leading companies and soy customers, VIAND (the largest independent feed miller in Bulgaria) and AMETA (the largest poultry integrator).
“Our meetings with customers were informative and allowed us to get a better understanding of the Bulgarian feed and livestock actual reality and potential for progress and expansion,” said Dr. Chihaia. “This helped us to understand the opportunities and potential that exists in the Bulgarian market for growth in animal production and consequently, in the use of U.S. Soy products. Continuing to support U.S. Soy’s customers will assist the development of this market and better position U.S. Soy products.”
Bulgaria may offer an important market opportunity in the near future for U.S. Soy. It stands to reason that extra effort in supporting current developments will deliver major returns in the near future. Within this context, the attendance and presentations at the Bulgarian Feed Association Annual conference underlined USSEC’s commitment to the development of the local feed industry.