Thanks to Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports (WIAE) funding, the International Agribusiness Center (IABC) at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) helped sponsor buyers from Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, to attend the 2024 World Dairy Expo in Madison. This effort has now resulted in a new shipment of 12 containers of soybean meal to Uzbekistan, further strengthening the trade relationship and creating new opportunities for Wisconsin farmers.
As part of IABC's mission to expand global markets for Wisconsin agriculture, WIAE funding was used to connect Wisconsin soybean businesses and organizations with potential buyers from Uzbekistan and Central Asian countries. The targeted trade mission at World Dairy Expo 2024 allowed Uzbek buyers to visit with Wisconsin producers and processors at the Expo and beyond. They participated in IABC-organized dairy workshops, toured dairy farms, learned about the quality and consistency of Wisconsin soybeans and products used for dairy and livestock production, and explored business opportunities.
The success of this initiative is evident with the recent delivery of 12 containers of soybean meal to Uzbekistan. This follows an initial order last year, demonstrating the growing demand for Wisconsin soy products in the Central Asia region. Uzbekistan has ambitious goals to expand its dairy and livestock industries. High-protein U.S. soymeal is playing a key role in supporting this growth as Uzbek farmers aim to improve their production efficiency.
With more orders expected, IABC will continue working in collaboration with the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB), the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) of the American Soybean Association, and USDA FAS Central Asia to expand global markets for Wisconsin soybeans, ensuring a strong future for our state's farmers and agricultural exports.