Germany: International Congress of the Danube Soya Association

On 25 and 26 November 2013, the 2nd International Congress of the Danube Soya Association will take place in Augsburg, Germany. Entitled Danube Soya and the European Protein Debate, this event will discuss actions aimed at contributing to a comprehensive strategy for farmers, consumers, producers and researchers. Some of the highlights are:
 

• European Soya Production – Chances, Challenges and the Impact of CAP
• Europe's Protein Supply – Regional and Worldwide Perspectives
• Who’s Going to Pay all That? Danube Soya as a Building Block for Great Brands
• Improving Genetic Diversity and the Danube Soya Research Project: Breeders Workshop

The Danube Soya Association was formed in January 2012 as an independent non-profit organisation to address the combined interests of civil society, government and major business enterprises in all areas of the value chain for non-GMO soy production, for both animal feed and food products. It promotes the cultivation of quality soy in the Danube region to provide high quality, traceable, low-carbon non-GMO soy to Europe. To this end, their interests are very much in line with the goals of the ProTerra Foundation. 

The similarities of both organisations to promote non-GM sustainable soy has encouraged both parties to open up discussions and work more closely. Whilst the Danube Soya Association focuses on the regions of the Danube, their philosophy and objectives are similar to those that ProTerra promotes across the globe. The ProTerra Foundation is now an associate member to the Danube Soya Association and likewise Danube Soy Association has become a member of the ProTerra Foundation. This allows both organisations to leverage and share industry information, and support the future growth of Non-GMO Soy within Eastern Europe.

Building on their plans to synchronise the promotion of Non-GMO and sustainability interests, it makes good sense to harmonise the ProTerra and Danube Soya Standards. ProTerra Foundation and the Danube Soya Association have convened a working group that is actively engaged in achieving this goal. More information is available here: http://www.donausoja.org/