ADM to Expand Traceable Soybean Pilot Project

ADM has loaded and shipped its first vessels of verified, fully traceable soybeans from the U.S. to Europe.

The successful pilot project delivered 2.4 million bushels (64,000 metric tons) of fully traceable soybeans to European customers in 2023. The company shares it now intends to expand these capabilities to other key North American locations during the 2024 growing season in anticipation of the new EU deforestation regulations becoming effective at the end of the year.

"At ADM, our future and success depend on the farmers we work with and for, which is why we're committed to helping support their businesses and their legacies by ensuring that global markets remain open to U.S. agricultural products," said Matt Hopkins, ADM's vice president, North America river and export. "This program, along with our comprehensive plan to achieve 100% deforestation-free supply chains by 2025, demonstrate the value of ADM's irreplaceable global footprint and our investments in climate-smart and regenerative agriculture."

ADM's traceable soybean program is an outgrowth of its International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) certified bean program, and uses technology, such as FBN's Gradable digital platform, as well as ADM's origination and transportation capabilities to verify, trace and segregate participating beans from farms to their final destination.

"While there are still issues, including how full compliance will be defined, measured and enforced, to work through in advance of the EU's deforestation regulations, we are confident in our ability to continue to deliver to customers in Europe," said Jon Turney, ADM's vice president, EMEA Crush. "We will continue to work with stakeholders - including farmers, government and industry - across our supply chains in the U.S. and other key regions in between now and the new regulations coming into effect on December 31."