The team observes a demonstration of extrusion technology that could be adapted for use in their countries. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Suzanne Nielsen, of Purdue University; Charles Nsubuga, from Uganda; Dr. Betty Bugusu, of Purdue University; Chimezie Obialor, from Nigeria; Liz Hare, of ASA/WISHH; Samuel Ntim-Adu, from Ghana; and Hart Jansson, of Malnutrition Matters.

American Soybean Association World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (ASA/WISHH) staff attended the Midwest Shipper’s Association and U.S. Soybean Export Council’s (USSEC) Global Trade Exchange in Indianapolis, Ind. this week.

The Global Trade Exchange allowed for the trade teams to learn the latest trends in soy, meet with U.S. exporters and learn about U.S. soy production. ASA/WISHH staff also had the opportunity to meet with USSEC staff on coordination and activity collaboration.

Attending from WISHH were, Alan F. Poock, Asian division director; Liz Hare, Latin American division director; and Chris Slemp, African program manager. Poock and Slemp brought trade teams from Myanmar and African to the Trade Team Invitational and the Global Trade Exchange (GTE).

In conjunction with the Global Trade Exchange and Midwest Specialty Grains Conference, ASA/WISHH Africa trade team traveled to West Lafayette, Ind. to meet with representatives from Purdue University. The delegation consisted of business representatives from Uganda, Nigeria and Ghana.

During their trip to Purdue, the group met with the managing director of the International Food Technology Center (IFTC) Dr. Betty Bugusu, and professor of food science Dr. Suzanne Nielsen, to discuss future opportunities for collaboration. The team reviewed soybean processing technologies, post-harvest storage innovations and opportunities for partnerships. After the visit to Purdue, the trade team traveled to Indianapolis to participate in the Trade Team Invitational and other conference activities.

Funding for the Myanmar trade team was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Emerging Markets Program and the African trade team was sponsored by the Indiana Soybean Alliance.