While organizing the 13th Southeast Asia Soy Food Symposium and the AG Supply Chain Asia 2018 in Indonesia, USSEC took the opportunity to give special recognition to two important events. This year, tempe, a unique and popular staple food among Indonesians, was recognized at last as an Indonesian Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Education and Culture. In addition, 2018 marked the 170th anniversary of the Chicago Board of Trade.
U.S. Consul General Heather Variava and Chris Rittgers, Agricultural Counselor, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Jakarta officially opened the gala event, held on the evening of March 20. USSEC Southeast Asia Senior Technical Director (Food Programs), Yeong Boon Yee, and Dr. Aman Wirakartakusumah, professor at Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Indonesia, paid special tribute to the people and organizations such as USSEC whose efforts culminated in tempe receiving its prestigious and well-deserved place in Indonesia’s rich history. Sharon Covert, USSEC secretary and Illinois Soybean Association director, also addressed the audience on behalf of the U.S. Soy family, representing the nine grower leaders from the Ohio Soybean Council, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, Iowa Soybean Association, and the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee.

This event was made possible through the funding and support of the North Dakota Soybean Council, South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, United Soybean Board (USB), American Soybean Association (ASA), FAS - USDA, as well as through the generous corporate sponsorships and support.