January marked the one-year anniversary of the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) India—an initiative by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). A transformative workforce development and capacity building program, the SECs target early to mid-career professionals spanning the protein value chain. Located in emerging markets across the world like India, the SEC bridges the knowledge gap and prepares the next generation of protein professionals.

Building on its success in other regions, SEC India was established with the support of U.S. soybean farmers, with major supporters from the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff.

Reflecting on the decision to expand the SEC into India, Mark Read, Vice Chair of the SEC Global Advisory Panel and an Illinois farmer stated, “India’s robust economic growth and dynamic population presents immense potential. With opportunities for innovation and productivity gains across the agricultural value chain, the Soy Excellence Centers are driving meaningful impact in this space. Together with India, we can cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders, building a more food-secure and resilient India.”

Meeting India’s Growing Protein Needs

As the world’s most populous nation with 1.4 billion people strong, India faces the challenge of feeding its people sustainably. The SEC equips participants to sustainably optimize productivity and increase output. As the global population rises, the SECs are ready to face the challenge of feeding people using lesser resources. The goal of the SEC’s is also aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s Skills India initiative.

Highlighting the SEC’s global reach, Vijay Anand, SEC India Center Lead, stated, “The Soy Excellence Center in India is more than a training program—it’s a transformative platform. Its digital continuing education community fosters life-long learning, enabling participants to engage with content, peers, and experts worldwide, creating a truly global exchange of knowledge.”

Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders

Currently, the SEC India offers courses across its 4 learning tracks: feed milling, poultry, soy foods and beverages and aquaculture. In a short span of one year, the SEC India had 999 participants and over 311 graduates.

Kevin Roepke, Regional Director for South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, USSEC emphasized the importance of investing in people, stating, “Human capital development is a critical driver of organizational growth. Companies that prioritize their workforce achieve higher performance and stronger retention. With India’s vibrant young workforce, the SEC paves the way for growth and innovation.”

Building Success Through Collaboration

The SEC builds its success on strong collaborations. While the curriculum is developed by Kansas State University, a Regional Advisory Council of 14 local experts ensures SEC initiatives remain relevant to India.

In August 2024, SEC India signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Karnataka Poultry Farmers Breeders Association (KFPBA). Through this partnership SEC India and KFPBA are accelerating innovation and productivity in India’s poultry industry.

Looking ahead

These impressive early results in just one calendar year highlight the strong demand for SEC India’s educational skills and knowledge content demonstrating the program’s transformative potential. In 2025, SEC in India is also expanding its course offerings to include dairy tracks and additional programs strengthening India’s protein industry.

If you’re interested in being a part of the SEC’s courses, write to Vijay Anand (vanand@ct.ussec.org) our SEC India Center Lead.

About Soy Excellence Center (SEC):

The Soy Excellence Centers (SEC), an initiative by the USSEC, focuses on skills building of early-to-mid career protein professionals in growing markets through world-class workforce training and professional development to help meet local nutrition and food security needs and support sustainable economic growth. USSEC is collaborating with diverse partners, including local food and agriculture universities and organizations, to deliver training in five core subject areas – aquaculture, feed, food, poultry, and swine. USSEC operates Soy Excellence Centers in four regional hubs – the Americas, Asia, Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

For more information, please visit: www.soyexcellence.org

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This press release is funded in part by the soy checkoff.

About the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC):

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) focuses on differentiating, elevating preference, and attaining market access for the use of U.S. Soy for human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed in 80+ countries internationally. USSEC members represent the soy supply chain including U.S. Soy farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses, and agricultural organizations. USSEC is funded by the U.S. soybean checkoff, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service matching funds, and industry. Visit ussec.org for the latest information and news about USSEC and U.S. Soy internationally.