The 2015 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange was another hit with buyers, sellers, and stakeholders of U.S. Soy.
The event was held at the Hilton Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota from September 9-11. Over 330 delegates from 51 countries participated in USSEC’s signature event known for its exclusive access to qualified international buyers and its strong focus on relationship building.
The week began on Wednesday, September 9 with the trade team invitational. These meetings, pre-arranged by USSEC, provide USSEC international trade teams and suppliers’ buyers/sellers with an opportunity to forge relationships.
That evening, attendees headed to the Mill City Museum, a Minneapolis landmark. Dr. James Orf of the University of Minnesota, spoke about the history of the soybean in the U.S.
The conference officially kicked off on Thursday, September 10, with opening remarks from USSEC chairman Laura Foell, Midwest Shippers Association chairman Roger Mortensen, Minnesota Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Jim Boerboom and USDA Deputy Undersecretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agriculture Service Alexis Taylor.
Chip Flory, editorial director of Pro Farmer and host of Market Rally Radio, provided a U.S. crop report and global soy and grain demand outlook. A panel of international food and feed buyers followed.
Following those sessions, the trade show officially opened.
Several breakout sessions took place after lunch, featuring sessions on transportation, global trends, co-ops, U.S. food grade soybean supply outlook, international protein demand, labeling and risk management.
A reception in the trade show followed the afternoon program.
On Friday, September 11, Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota spoke to conference participants.
Dr. Jay H. Bryson, managing director and global economist at Wells Fargo, gave the keynote address, speaking about the outlook for the world economy and international trade.
Breakout sessions followed, offering participants a choice between hearing about sustainability, emerging growth markets or soybean meal’s feed nutritional value.
British author, journalist and environmental activist Mark Lynas was the final speaker, presenting “Get to Know your GMOs.”
The 2015 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange was co-located with the Midwest Shippers Association’s Midwest Specialty Grains Conference and Trade Show.