Welcoming International Trade Teams

By Olivia Key

Beyond supporting the 43,000 Illinois soybean farmers, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) plays a crucial role in fostering international trade relationships by welcoming trade teams from around the world to our state’s farms. These visits offer valuable insights into the Illinois soybean industry while simultaneously acting as catalysts for the growth of global partnerships that yield mutual benefits for both Illinois farmers and international consumers.

Soybeans are a staple crop in Illinois, and the state consistently ranks as the leading soybean producer in the United States. Recognizing the global significance of soybeans, the ISA Market Development team continually strives to foster connections with international buyers.

ISA’s International Markets Manager, Eileen Urish, said, “Hosting some of our top customers is not only a great honor, but it also provides us, and the farmers of Illinois, with a unique opportunity to engage with our consumers on a more personal level. By inviting them to soybean farms in Illinois, we aim to help them understand the key differences that make U.S. soy the best choice. This direct interaction creates a deeper connection and appreciation for the quality and sustainability of soybeans produced in Illinois.”

The team’s mission extends beyond the goal of increasing the demand for Illinois soy; it also encompasses the goal of expanding the reach of Illinois soybeans into untapped and emerging global markets.

“With this exceptional quality and production efficiency, we have an opportunity to make a significant impact worldwide,” Urish adds. “Our commitment to innovation, responsible farming practices, and building strong international partnerships will be the driving force behind our success in bringing Illinois soy to the forefront of global markets.”

Hosting international trade teams is a key component of the ISA Market Development team’s efforts. The visiting teams often consist of representatives from foreign governments, agricultural organizations, and businesses interested in sourcing soybeans from Illinois. During the visits, trade teams can gain direct insight into the quality and efficiency of Illinois soybean production through visiting farms, research facilities, processing plants, and more, to learn about the entire soybean supply chain.

ISA At-Large Director, Jeff O’Connor, knows firsthand the importance of fostering relationships with international soy buyers.

“What I have found by hosting trade visits is that even though we stand here on a particular day, with a certain environment around the world for trade, our experience has shown us that in the not-too-distant past, and probably in the not-too-distant future, those conditions will always change, so we can never have too many customers,” says O'Connor.

These face-to-face interactions help build trust between Illinois soybean producers and foreign buyers while securing a roster of markets for Illinois soy.

“Yes, we want to keep our main customers, but, if you lose one of those, you want to have as many other customers as possible and develop those relationships,” continues O’Connor. “It's a continual development of who our potential partners could be so that we have a constant stream of options for our high-quality, highyielding, profitable soybeans here in Illinois. As a farmer, I can't do that on my own, nor would I have the time, the resources, or the understanding to do that. So, to have an organization that constantly has staff working on those relationships is vital. When I’m farming, I don't have time to think about it, and you can't stop those relationships midstream.”

Additionally, the significance of hosting farm and industry visits for international buyers extends beyond immediate economic gains, reaching into the realm of global food security, as Illinois soybeans play a pivotal role in meeting the world's increasing protein demands. When international buyers return to their respective countries with a deeper appreciation of the reliability of Illinois soybeans, they are more inclined to continue sourcing soy from Illinois. This, in turn, strengthens the stability and resilience of the global food supply, ensuring that protein needs are met consistently and efficiently.

Over the course of two months, the ISA Market Development team welcomed more than 10 teams of international guests interested in learning more about soybean production in Illinois. The teams hailed from various regions, including Korea, China, Japan, South Asia, Brazil, Europe, and Inner Mongolia, and even included a group of international agriculture influencers.

Throughout these visits, the teams are offered the chance to explore different facets of the Illinois soybean production process, including visits to grain elevators and lock and dams. Depending on the specific interests of each team, some also had the opportunity to tour agricultural cooperatives and the University of Illinois to gain deeper insights into agricultural business and ongoing soybean research projects. Additionally, many of the visiting teams were provided with a tour of the ISA office, where they gained insights into the soy checkoff's mission and the various initiatives undertaken by ISA to ensure the long-term productivity and profitability of Illinois soybean farmers.

As Illinois maintains its position as the United States’ leading soybean producer, the importance of building relationships with foreign buyers cannot be overstated. These face-to-face interactions, as exemplified by the recent visits from multiple international teams, empower buyers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and strengthen their ties to Illinois soy. In an ever-evolving landscape of global trade, ISA's commitment to nurturing relationships and exploring new markets is a testament to the organization’s dedication to sustaining the legacy of Illinois soybean farmers.