Media Tour Highlights U.S. Soy’s Impact in Thailand
As part of its mission to increase global awareness about the many advantages of U.S. Soy, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) was pleased to host a group of 12 journalists from the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) for an in-depth sustainability and aquaculture tour in Thailand.
The unique opportunity allowed media representatives from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Slovenia, the U.K. and the U.S. to witness firsthand the critical role of sustainable U.S. Soy in supporting Thailand’s robust aquaculture industry.
“Quality media reporting on global food and agriculture sectors helps ensure accurate information reaches broad audiences,” said Kerrey Kerr-Enskat, Communications Director for the U.S. Soybean Export Council. “USSEC was pleased to support this tour by providing the award-winning IFAJ members with up-close access to Thailand’s vibrant aquaculture industry, which they may not have exposure to otherwise.”
A Day of Discovery
The tour began with visits to two key facilities near Bangkok: the 88 Foods Company processing plant and farm, and Nam Sai Farms’ tilapia hatchery and farm – operations that collaborate closely with USSEC’s regional team and utilize U.S. Soy optimized feed for their fish.
At 88 Foods Company, a leading producer of Asian seabass, journalists heard from Managing Director Warawut Sophanowong and Farm Manager Naytipak Uaananta about its operations, including costs and labor, and the impact and now nearly full recovery from the Covid pandemic period. The company has been operational for over 12 years and is recognized as a fully integrated seabass producer, from farm, feedmill and hatchery to frozen processing.
A visit to Nam Sai Farms showcased their expertise in producing six different strains of tilapia, targeting different culture systems and markets. Assistant Managing Director Jessica Kaye Turner and Director Worapot Chinwatanakit emphasized their commitment to quality production standards and transparent operations, which support sustainable fish farming practices. The farm not only caters to the domestic market but also exports to various countries worldwide. Turner said the farm produces approximately 300 million tilapia fingerlings (baby fish) annually, and in addition to servicing businesses in Thailand, expects to export around nine million fingerlings in 2025 to countries around the world.
Understanding Aquaculture’s Growth
Thailand’s aquaculture sector has seen remarkable growth, with production increasing by 6.5% since 2021[1]. This growth is driven by rising demand for sustainable and traceable seafood, adherence to global standards, and diversification into high-value species.
During the tour, the journalists gained insights into the increasing role of soy-optimized fish feed, and on average, soy now constitutes at least 25-30% of the ingredients in aquaculture diets. This represents a significant shift from the primarily fish meal-based diets used 25 years ago and highlights the continued advancements in feed formulation aimed at promoting both fish health and environmental sustainability.
"We appreciate the opportunity to share information about the sustainable advantages of U.S. Soy and USSEC’s contributions to the aquaculture industry in Thailand with this group of international journalists, and we look forward to reading their stories,” said Abby Rinne, USSEC Director of Sustainability.
As IFAJ President Steve Werblow noted, the tour, part of IFAJ’s Exposure-4-Development program, plays a vital role in educating journalists about the agricultural dynamics in Southeast Asia.
The Power of Collaboration
Southeast Asia plays a crucial role in global seafood production, accounting for 22% of the world’s total[2]. With demand for fish projected to increase by 15% between 2020 and 2030[3], the need for sustainable practices in aquaculture is paramount, as more and more seafood is sourced from farms and not wild capture.
USSEC’s support of the region’s industry is executed through diverse initiatives:
- Knowledge-sharing, technical training and regular workshops for aquaculture practitioners to support best practices and the benefits of utilizing fish feed optimized with U.S. Soy.
- The International Aquaculture Feed Formulation Database (IAFFD), supported by USSEC, enables aquafeed companies to better understand and target feed formulations to meet specific nutritional requirements, further enhancing the sustainability of aquaculture practices.
- The introduction of innovative technologies, such as the In Pond Raceway System (IPRS), illustrates USSEC's commitment to reducing the environmental impact of aquaculture while boosting productivity.
- And the region’s Soy Excellence Center (SEC), an initiative by USSEC to build the skills of early-to mid-career protein professionals, recently added the Basic Asia Aquaculture Course to meet regional demand. The course offers a foundational understanding of aquaculture with a focus on Asian species, Asian production systems, and the Asian market.
Leading the Way
Globally, aquaculture has outpaced wild catch, now producing over half of the seafood consumed worldwide. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aquaculture is the fastest-growing segment of the feed industry, with production expected to rise to 109 million metric tons by 2030—a 32% increase from 2018[4].
Thailand's aquaculture industry is not only vital to the nation’s economy but also plays a significant role in global seafood trade and food security. With ongoing research, technological advancements, and a focus on sustainability, Thailand is helping lead the way in responsible aquaculture practices.
The insights gained from the media tour and shared by international journalists are poised to enhance awareness and foster dialogue about sustainable seafood production on a global scale, highlighting sustainable U.S. Soy’s role in supporting it.
**********
This story was partially funded by U.S. Soy farmers, their checkoff and the soy value chain.
[1] Fishery Statistics Group, Fishery Policy and Development Planning Division (Mr. Phasathon Chawiwon, Acting Statistician, 098 548 0469) Note: “Estimated value (data as of 22 March 2023)
[2] https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a2090042-8cda-4f35-9881-16f6302ce757/content
[3] FAO State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022, page XXV
[4] FAO. 2020. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020. Sustainability in action. Rome.