U.S. Soy Industry Goes Digital to Strengthen Pan-Asia Relationships
In June, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) hosted two digital conferences, reaching more than 1,700 customers and soybean industry representatives from the Pan-Asia region. The events – the Pan-Asia Soy Food Summit and Asia Trade Exchange 2020 – demonstrated U.S. Soy’s versatility as both food and feed and highlighted how the soy industry has remained reliable and sustainable since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the digital event, U.S. farmers and other experts used online media to discuss world agricultural trends, the 2021 U.S. soybean crop, soybean demand, and U.S. Soy’s deep commitment to sustainable production. Dawn Scheier, Tim Ostrem, and Jerry Schmitz from SD Soybean took part in the digital conference. Keynote speakers included Thomas Halverson, President & CEO of CoBank, and Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
“Southeast Asia continues to be a region that holds tremendous potential. The agricultural landscape in this part of the world is diverse with a growing population that consumes large amounts of U.S. Soy and soybean products,” said Tim Loh, USSEC’s Southeast Asia & Oceania Regional Director.
A virtual trade show was also held, providing online opportunities – complete with built-in translation services – for importers and exporters to make business connections. Despite the travel challenges brought by COVID-19, USSEC and other U.S. Soy leaders are using digital means to connect stakeholders to keep soy growing.