Minnesota soybean farmers look to strengthen relationship with Uzbek officials

Farmer leaders from the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) return to Uzbekistan March 6-16 to continue long-term efforts of strengthening relationships and promoting U.S. soy to Uzbek industry leaders. Following its first trade mission in 2022, the MSR&PC delegation will be visiting with poultry and dairy producers, touring crush plants and learning more about industry and culture of the landlocked country in Central Asia.

Participants include MSR&PC Directors Patrick O’Leary and Gene Stoel, along with MSR&PC Director of Market Development Kim Nill, who were both part of the first expedition in September 2022. This year, Council Chair Tom Frisch and Director Ben Storm are also joining the trade mission.

Uzbekistan, with its fast-growing poultry and dairy industry, made its first purchase of U.S. soybean meal in 2022. Since 2020, MSR&PC has invested soy checkoff dollars in projects in Uzbekistan to identify the country’s need for U.S. soy. The Council also recently commissioned a feasibility study that focused on the viability of soybean meal crush capabilities and future development of livestock facilities in Uzbekistan. The study underscores U.S. soy’s unique opportunities for Uzbek importers.