The ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health program held a seminar to connect U.S. soybean farmer leaders with Sri Lankan food industry executives and government officials in Colombo, Sri Lanka this week. The event, Powering Partnerships: Sri Lanka–U.S. Soy Trade highlighted how collaborations between U.S. soy and Sri Lanka’s food sector can drive better nutrition, new product innovations, and help grow the Sri Lankan economy.
WISHH explained how it works with Sri Lankan companies to share technical expertise, demonstrate the benefits of high-quality U.S. soy for food products, and support the introduction of new, nutritious foods in the market. Additionally, WISHH Executive Director Gena Perry explained how these training programs and product development collaborations address both consumer demand and business growth.
“WISHH work is about better nutrition, new innovations, and sustainable growth for Sri Lanka with a stronger economy” Perry said. “That, in turn, creates more customers for U.S. soy,”
WISHH Chair Morey Hill, a soybean farmer from Iowa, welcomed Her Excellency Julie Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, to the event. Ambassador Chung delivered remarks highlighting the importance of trade and innovation to strengthen ties between the two countries and create stronger food security in Sri Lanka.
“With the United States holding an impressive 84 percent market share, it is clear that Sri Lankan producers place exceptional trust in U.S. Soy for its superior quality, nutritional profile, and reliable supply chain,” Chung noted. “The partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States is an excellent example of the power of collaboration. It has bolstered both our industries and economies.”
Karen Richards, the Senior Agricultural Attaché in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Agricultural Affairs, also attended the event to learn more about how USDA can support WISHH’s work in Sri Lanka.
Additionally, United Soybean Board Directors Gene Stoel (MN) and Dawn Scheier (SD) joined WISHH committee members Heather Feuerstein (MI), Chad Warner (OH), and Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare (IL) as they explained how they sustainably grow soy on their farms for customers worldwide.
Feuerstein delivered closing remarks challenging attendees to build on the relationships fostered by the seminar.
“Let’s carry forward the conversations we’ve had and use them to build long-term partnerships,” she explained.
“As a U.S. soybean farmer, I am proud to share that U.S. soy delivers consistent high quality superior protein, making it an ideal partner in food products. This will offer stronger food security in Sri Lanka and support more trade for us soybean farmers.”
USDA Emerging Markets Program funding supported WISHH’s trade team to Sri Lanka.