About
Processors are the linchpin in the soybean value chain. They buy from farmers, demand quality grain, and create food and feed for consumers at scale, typically measured in metric tons per day.
In sub-Saharan Africa, processors face challenges from difficult raw material procurement, constrained operating capital, and unreliable utilities.
AOCS is working to address these challenges and increase food security in the region through partnerships with USAID Feed the Future Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) and Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA). The collaboration with industry and NGO partners creates a unique opportunity to leverage strengths for sustainable market growth supporting Sub-Saharan African (SSA) oilseed processors.
Our members serve as technical experts providing one-on-one consulting and short course instruction through two key programs: Soy 360 and Processor 2 Processor.
Soy 360
Soy 360 delivers in-person processing short courses in Kampala, Uganda. The programs seeks to establish a center of excellence in soybean processing in Uganda.
The inaugural course, Edible Oil Processing, took place in 2024. The program started with a train the trainer model, where AOCS volunteers trained local facilitators. The first pilot of the 2.5-day course was given to eighteen agroprocessors from Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Kenya. In 2025, the focus will extend to extrusion.
This program will grow and expand in the coming years to cover other processing topics. Members interested in volunteering to assist in short course training should contact Patrick Donnelly.
Processor 2 Processor
Processor 2 Processor (P2P) brings technical experts in oilseed processing and food transformation to peer companies in Sub-Saharan Africa for one-on-one consulting. The program provides travel support for volunteers.
P2P works directly with a processor on their stated needs, linking them to world-class experts in oilseed processing and helping them boost efficiency, nutrition, safety, and production.
The P2P innovation is a melding of each partner’s distinctive point of view and skill set. CNFA, under the F2F program, brings logistical expertise and budget to support volunteer consultants. AOCS members are experts in oilseed processing from top global companies. AOCS encourages members to share their skills as volunteers to affect food security in SSA. SIL facilitates connections with processors, acting as the linchpin between the partners.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Annette Donnelly.