In an effort to increase demand and build a preference for U.S. Soy in the southeastern European sub-region, USSEC invited a group of key Romanian and Bulgarian protein ingredient traders and purchasing managers to the buyers’ training course organized in Warsaw, Poland during the second week of March.

The aim of the activity was to educate conference attendees with the latest information in international soy trading and emphasize the competitive advantages of U.S. Soy and soybean meal in order to expand market share in the fast growing feed industries from central and southeastern European countries.

Renowned speakers from Kansas State University, INTL FC Stone Inc., and CME Group approached different topics of high interest from current soybean and meal global market outlook to technical trading aspects, including risk management. Thanks to excellent communication and coordination prior to the event, the USSEC educators delivered clear messages to young commodities traders and purchasing professionals eager to learn more about soy and trading during the two-day activity. In addition to the speakers, the workshop featured a highly interactive session with practical case studies and group discussions to reinforce the concepts presented in the lectures.

Although the course was challenging, the information provided was made accessible through easy interaction and clearly communicated knowledge. At the end, participants agreed that the training provided an excellent opportunity for participants to get an updated view of the soy market, learn how to control risks rising from hedging, and to network with industry friends and colleagues from Europe and the U.S. In a highly competitive business environment, and in an uncertain world of market turbulence, high caliber speakers keen to share knowledge and information were greatly appreciated.