Why Farmer Engagement Abroad Matters More Than Ever
From Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok, several Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) farmer leaders and staff recently spent a week on the ground in Southeast Asia connecting with customers, industry leaders and partners across the value chain. While relationship-building remains core, this mission also provided critical, firsthand insight into how global markets are evolving and where future demand for U.S. soy is headed.
Vietnam and Thailand are central to that growth. Vietnam imports approximately 2.2 million metric tons of U.S. soy and continues to expand soybean meal use across its pork and aquaculture sectors, while also increasing demand for soy-based foods such as tofu. Thailand, importing over 557,900 metric tons of U.S. soy, is seeing similar growth in livestock and aquaculture, alongside rising interest in food applications and value-added products. ISA was also able to engage with customers from across the broader Southeast Asia region, expanding the reach of these conversations beyond just Vietnam and Thailand.
During the U.S. Identity Preserved Alliance (USIPA) Summit, Bryan Severs, Chairman of USIPA, helped open the conference and emphasized the importance of farmer engagement abroad. As he shared, “Telling our sustainability story is important not just for today’s customers, but to ensure our farms can continue for the next generation.”
ISA also engaged directly with companies and stakeholders that are proud importers of U.S. soy. Conversations with regional aquaculture and feed leaders reinforced the growing role of soy as a cost-effective, high-quality protein source in aqua diets, particularly in developing markets. Meetings with ADM Vietnam provided valuable perspective on market access, regional trade dynamics and future demand projections. In Thailand, ISA met with the Soon Soon Group (Malaysia) to explore new food uses for soy and potential research partnerships through the Soy Innovation Center (SIC), highlighting opportunities beyond traditional feed markets.
These types of conversations and collaborative brainstorming with customers are what create real value. By working alongside industry partners, ISA can better understand evolving needs, identify innovation opportunities, and help ensure Illinois soy continues to meet the demands of a changing global marketplace.
