U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol

United States

Tool Type

Standards

Risk Type

Climate change | Environmental

Feed Ingredients

drawing of an algae cell

Algae

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Animal proteins (LAP/PAP)

link drawing of a fish skeleton

Aquaculture trimmings

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Cereals

line drawing of insect larvae

Insects

line drawing of a palm with an oil droplet

Palm oil

line drawing of dna and molecule structure

Single-cell proteins (SCP)

line drawing of soy pods

Soy

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Vitamins & minerals

line drawing of a fish

Wild capture fisheries

What is it? 

The U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) is an aggregate approach audited by third parties that verifies sustainable soy production at a national scale (the US). The Protocol describes the regulations, processes, and management practices that ensure sustainable soy production. This Sustainability Assurance Protocol is part of the overall U.S. soy producer sustainability program.

The SSAP is organized into the following four Directives and eleven Impact Categories. 

Biodiversity and High Carbon Stock Production Control Measures and Regulations

  • Land Use, Sensitive Habitats, and Biodiversity

Production Practices Control Measures and Regulations

  • Soil Health & Productivity
  • Crop Health & Agricultural Best Management Practices
  • Waste & Pollution
  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Fossil Fuel Use, & Air Quality

Public and Labor Health and Welfare Control Measures and Regulations

  • Water Quality & Quantity
  • Plant Protection & Nutrient Management
  • Working Conditions & Labor Relations
  • Worker & Public Safety
  • Community Relations

Continuous Improvement of Production Practices and Environmental Protection Control Measures and Regulations

  • Continuous Improvement