USSEC as a Connector, Problem-Solver, and Strategic Partner in Aquaculture
As aquaculture continues to expand to meet global demand for high-quality protein, so does the need for better support across the value chain. Feed manufacturers, farmers, and seafood buyers all face unique challenges but often share the same questions: Where do we find reliable, sustainable inputs? How do we stay compliant as standards shift? And how do we grow profitably in an industry that’s constantly evolving?
For many of these stakeholders, the answer starts with USSEC.
While USSEC is widely known for promoting the benefits of U.S. Soy, its role is far larger. From technical training and formulation support to certification guidance and trade facilitation, USSEC acts as a strategic partner and connector, bringing together the people, tools, and resources that help aquaculture move forward.
A Mission That Extends Beyond Promotion
USSEC doesn’t limit its scope to trade promotion or awareness-building. Its work is grounded in a clear mission: to maximize the value of U.S. Soy by supporting the growth, efficiency, and sustainability of global aquaculture systems.
That mission plays out in the field every day through technical consulting, training programs, feed trials, and market access support. Whether the goal is to enter new markets, meet certification requirements, or adopt more efficient farming systems, USSEC is often a key partner in guiding that process.
Connecting the Value Chain
One of USSEC’s strengths is its ability to bridge the gap between different parts of the value chain. Soy producers, feed manufacturers, aquaculture operations, and buyers often operate in silos, each with different priorities and constraints.
USSEC helps connect those dots.
Through technical programs like Aquaculture Production Executive Program (APEP) and collaborations with aquaculture sustainability certification bodies, USSEC builds transparent, aligned supply chains where everyone benefits. Producers gain access to trusted, certified inputs. Feed mills receive formulation support to include soy more efficiently. Buyers gain confidence in transparent, responsible sourcing. And aquaculture operations grow with fewer bottlenecks and stronger environmental credentials.
Helping Stakeholders Meet Global Standards
The aquaculture industry is under growing pressure to meet sustainability benchmarks, align with ESG frameworks, and maintain certification for export and retail markets.
USSEC plays an active role in helping stakeholders rise to the occasion and meet these standards.
U.S. Soy is positioned as a verified, high-value input that strengthens environmental and social credentials. By providing documentation and guidance through protocols like the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP), USSEC enables producers and feed mills to demonstrate compliance with many major certifications.
This alignment creates direct market value, especially in export-driven economies where certified products command better pricing and buyer trust.
Real-World Impact
USSEC’s contributions aren’t just theoretical – they translate into measurable outcomes across regions and species.
In Colombia, for example, USSEC supported the adoption of the In-Pond Raceway System (IPRS) to boost the efficiency of tilapia production. The result: local experts reporting an estimated 30,000 metric tons of additional tilapia production and 18,000–20,000 metric tons of U.S. Soy used in local aquafeeds. This is a sign of how soy-driven systems can unlock growth across the value chain.
USSEC’s support for systems like IPRS, along with tools like the IAFFD nutritional database, gives farmers and feed mills the confidence to shift toward more sustainable inputs.
Solving Pressing Challenges
Across regions, many stakeholders face similar challenges. These often include limited access to high-quality, sustainable inputs; inefficient or outdated feed formulations; certification hurdles and documentation gaps; difficulty entering export markets due to shifting regulations; and limited access to training, especially for small or mid-sized farms.
USSEC addresses these pain points directly. It provides feed formulation guides, runs demonstration projects that test new feeding strategies, and offers technical trainings aimed at early to mid-career aquaculture professionals.
Technical Expertise with Real-World Application
One of the most valued aspects of USSEC’s work is its technical depth. Partners often turn to USSEC for support with improving feed formulation, preparing to seek sustainability certification, navigating trade and export logistics, and using tools that simplify complex decisions.
This technical support isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s tailored to local production systems, species, and market goals. For example, feed manufacturers receive direct guidance on incorporating soy into cost-effective, high-performance formulations. Farmers gain access to trials and demonstrations that show how soy-based feeds perform under real-world conditions. And businesses looking to certify their products or enter new markets can rely on USSEC for uptodate insight on documentation, regulatory alignment, and the role of certified sustainable inputs like U.S. Soy.
For many stakeholders, these resources are what allow them to grow and to compete in an industry where standards, pricing, and sustainability expectations are constantly changing.
Adapting to a Rapidly Changing Industry
Aquaculture is changing fast. Climate events, volatile markets, and rising consumer expectations all impact the way producers operate and what buyers demand.
USSEC helps stakeholders build resilience by providing flexible, science-backed tools and strategies that evolve with the industry.
When climate disrupts traditional farming methods, USSEC supports adoption of systems that minimize environmental impact and improve efficiency. When markets shift toward certified sourcing of raw materials, USSEC helps partners understand the requirements and prepare their operations. And when new challenges arise, whether they be fish-health challenges, ingredient shortages, or cost pressures, USSEC connects stakeholders with timely, technical advice.
Looking Ahead
As global aquaculture becomes more complex, success will depend on strong partnerships, reliable inputs, and the ability to adapt. USSEC brings all three.
Its work is grounded in the science and sustainability of U.S. Soy, but its value extends across the entire aquaculture landscape. By acting as a connector, problem-solver, and trusted advisor, USSEC continues to help stakeholders grow – strategically, responsibly, and with confidence in what comes next.
This article is funded in part by the Soy Checkoff.