Around the world, customers are taking note of the U.S. Soy Advantage and the sustainable, consistent supply that U.S. soybean farmers provide. And where there’s a need for U.S. Soy there’s also USSEC, providing trade and technical support and improving market access for international customers of U.S. soybeans and soy products in more than 80 countries.
This month, more than 200 international buyers from more than 50 counties will come together at USSEC’s annual U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange, an event that brings together the farmers who grow U.S. Soy and the customers who purchase it – and forging relationships between suppliers and buyers who would otherwise never have the opportunity to meet.
Indiana soybean farmer and USSEC board member Don Wyss attended last year’s Global Trade Exchange event and took a lot from his conversations with international buyers of U.S. Soy.
“What I heard is that they (international customers) really like U.S. soybeans and soybean products,” he says. “So it’s important that we build those relationships and build those connections, not only in developed countries that are using lots of U.S. soybeans, like China, but also in developing countries that are including more and more protein in their diets.”
International buyers in attendance were also glad they made the trip. “I think it’s very important,” says Henk Flipsen, director of Nevedi (Dutch Feed Industry Association) in the Netherlands. “People from all over the world come here and join ideas for improving trade.”
Dr. Soon-Bin Neoh, managing director, Soon Soon Group, traveled all the way from Malaysia to attend last year’s event and network with U.S. soybean farmers. “I think it’s very important that the producers of U.S. soybeans understand what we are using soy for,” he says.
The 2017 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange will include networking opportunities, presentations for soy industry experts and education and discussion on issues affecting the international soy and grain markets.
(Photo by Joseph Murphy, Iowa Soybean Association)
