CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – In February, the USAID-funded Feed the Future Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was abruptly told to cease operations, threatening 12 years of progress in creating a global soybean value chain that supports regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Australia. Faced with the impending shutdown, SIL director Pete Goldsmith scrambled to secure funding, temporarily keeping the lab operational until April 15, its scheduled closure date.
At the last moment, a $1.02 million donation from an anonymous donor through the Founders Pledge—a global nonprofit organization helping entrepreneurs maximize the impact of their charitable contributions—provided the necessary funds to keep the lab running for another year. Although long-term federal support is needed for the program to continue at its previous scale, this reprieve will allow the team to complete critical work and give Goldsmith time to secure stable funding in the future.
“We will use this generous gift to restart efforts with our partners and clients to bring soybean to the Lower Shire Valley of southern Malawi,” said Goldsmith. “This will diversify the region’s economy and capitalize on recent World Bank irrigation investments.”
SIL, in partnership with local entities, had just begun developing the soybean industry in southern Malawi, a region facing the challenges of a hot, low-elevation environment. According to Bruce Carruthers, a consultant for Agricane in Malawi, SIL’s efforts were pivotal in expediting the registration of new soybean varieties for both rainy-season and dry-season production—an essential milestone for Malawian agriculture. Without SIL’s involvement, progress in variety development would have slowed, delaying the introduction of improved genetic material.
Goldsmith emphasized the broader significance of SIL’s work: while the immediate benefits are felt by African farmers, the development of the African soybean value chain also offers significant advantages to global markets, including the U.S. “Africa is the last frontier for soybean production,” said Goldsmith. “It’s one of the fastest-growing areas and has immense potential, but someone has to reduce the risk for commercial interests. That’s what SIL does—we build the market and reduce uncertainty, allowing farmers, traders, and processors to succeed.”
With continued funding, SIL can ensure the ongoing growth of the soybean markets in Africa and beyond, creating lasting economic benefits. To support SIL’s mission, donations can be made via their designated donation page, entering the “Dr. Peter Goldsmith Support Fund – 11335457.”