The second annual Canadian Soybean Harvest Update attracted more than 100 virtual attendees from Asia and the Indo-Pacific on December 10, 2024.
Hosted by Soy Canada, the live-streamed event brought together participants from Canada, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam.
“Demand for Canadian soybeans is strong in Asian and Indo-Pacific markets, making events like the 2024 harvest update the ideal opportunity to promote Canadian soy and add value to our industry by showcasing what makes Canadian soybeans the best choice for international buyers,” said Nicole Mackellar, manager of market development for Soy Canada.
The event featured keynote speaker, Ross Prusakowski, deputy chief economist at Export Development Canada, who shared insights on the global economic outlook.
Presenters Colin Richardson, a Canadian soybean exporter with Snobelen Farms, Ramzy Yelda, a market analyst with Quebec Grain Growers and Brian Innes, executive director with Soy Canada provided the latest updates on the record-breaking 2024 Canadian soybean crop, along with industry and market overviews.
A grower panel discussion featuring Melvin Rattai from Manitoba, Jeff Barlow of Ontario and William Overbeek from Quebec rounded out the speaker lineup.
Presenters also answered engaging questions from the international audience who shared their appreciation for consistent high-quality Canadian food-grade soybeans.
"We're seeing very strong demand for Canadian soybeans in those regions," added Mackellar. "We're really seeing strong growth in soy food markets, particularly in areas like Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand. As their populations continue to grow, we're continuing to see more and more demand for soy foods."
While the 2024 event was the second virtual harvest update, Soy Canada has been hosting multiple online market development events that complement the organization’s in-person outgoing missions to Asian and Indo-Pacific countries.
"We actually had a record-breaking production this year for soybeans," remarked Mackellar. "Our production levels hit 7.6 million metric tonnes this year which is the second highest level of soybean production we've seen in the county since soybeans started to be produced."
These events provide valuable opportunities to promote Canada’s soy industry by attracting soy buyers and food processors.
Source : Pembinavalley online