We have been highlighting the work that the USDA and other organizations have been doing to help grow our markets overseas. Without laying this groundwork and building upon it, there is no way we can build demand for our U.S. soybeans. While government trade missions, such as those we talked about yesterday, are great to talk policy and make business connections; it’s the work of organizations like the American Soybean Association (ASA) that educates consumers and really brings that demand to another customer base.
Daryl Cates is Vice President of the American Soybean Association and an Illinois Farmer. He recently visited Cambodia and had a chance to really engage with consumers there on the value of American soybeans. He talked about their importance to the thriving aquaculture industry, and the desire Cambodians have to become self-sufficient in producing soymeal now that they have seen the benefits of using the products.
It’s continued efforts like this, from all kinds of American Ag groups that is keeping up global demand for our products and growing new markets for our goods. It is also helping to grow existing markets as global residents learn about what we are doing with our products and how they can import those products or find ways to do it themselves. It all helps to benefit each country’s opportunities at being more self-sufficient.
You can learn more about what the American Soybean Association is doing to advocate for American producers, grow our markets, and educate the world by going to their website. While you’re there, learn how you can become a member.