Asian soyfoods company leaders from Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam will be among the first large international delegation to come to Northern Crops Institute at NDSU since the pandemic began. The trade team members are traveling more than 7,000 miles to gain new insights into tofu and soymilk production.

The trade team is scheduled to participate in a hands-on laboratory experience at the institute on Wednesday, June 8.

The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health is using North Dakota soy checkoff and USDA Agricultural Trade Promotion program funding to bring the companies from Cambodia and Myanmar. These Asian food companies have continued to work with the initiative during the pandemic, including participation in virtual sessions, and will now join NCI’s training program on food-grade soybeans.

The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance is supporting the other foreign buyers. The alliance, with support from the Minnesota soybean checkoff, also will take the trade team to the Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River, Minnesota, to join the first SSGA Fork to Farm Day. Dignitaries from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are scheduled to attend.

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