USSEC and WISHH
The WISHH Program, managed by the American Soybean Association, coordinates a number of activities with USSEC in the area of human utilization of soy protein. USSEC's management team in St. Louis contracts with WISHH to implement some of the USB-funded worldwide value added soy protein and soyfood oriented programs in Asia, Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. WISHH coordinates with the ASAIM offices in India, Mexico, Turkey and Singapore in project development and implementation in the areas of soyfood and soy protein for human nutrition. The expertise in USSEC overseas staff and WISHH's ability to bring new funding to human utilization of soy in the developing world is proving to be a powerful combination in the devlopment of markets for U.S. soybean growers.
Beginnings of WISHH
Illinois and Iowa Soybean Checkoff Boards and other state soybean grower organizations created the WISHH Program in 2000. WISHH is headquartered at the American Soybean Association in St. Louis, Missouri and it goal is to find new opportunities for U.S. soy in programs that help feed the hungry and stimulate demand for U.S. soy leading to long-term sustainable development. WISHH has worked with multiple private voluntary organizations and commercial companies in 23 different developing countries in Africa, Asia and Central America. Many of these groups are using U.S. high-protein soy to improve diets and health as well as encourage growth of food industries in developing countries.
WISHH Mission
To create sustainable solutions for the protein demands of people in developing countries through the introduction and use of U.S. soy products.
WISHH Vision
WISHH will position U.S. soy to become a preferred protein commodity in developing countries. WISHH will do this in developing countries by expanding markets and increasing incomes, reducing hunger and improving the quality of life of undernourished populations and those living with devastating diseases.
Impact of Soy and WISHH Around the Globe
When U.S. farmers created WISHH, they understood that throughout the world, there is growing recognition that soy can help people enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Soybeans are a versatile, abundant and affordable source of complete protein, providing all eight amino acids necessary to human health. Ideally suited to complement locally produced foods in developing countries, soy can fortify indigenous recipes with high-quality protein as well as provide dietary fiber and essential amino acids required by adults, adolescents and children. Since its creation, WISHH has helped introduce the blending of soy to local diets in the 23 countries around the world.
WISHH Collaborates With the U.S. Federal Government
WISHH works with federal programs so U.S. soybean farmers can help feed some of the world’s fastest-growing nations. International food assistance is important to U.S. soybean growers since these programs use more than $250 million of soybeans and soy products each year.
The U.S. government supports a wide array of international programs, including global school feeding, because these programs have long-term health and economic impacts. On September 14, President Bush stated, “The United States has increased its aid to developing nations and helped expand economic freedom and investment in education and health. These programs help unleash the entrepreneurial spirit in the developing world - and bring the citizens of these countries into the world economy.”
U.S. soybean growers through WISHH continue to work with the U.S. government to ensure global enhancement of protein in people’s diets while at the same time creating markets for the export of soy.
To learn more about WISHH, refer to their website at: www.wishh.org/
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