The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) has announced an upcoming trade mission to the Netherlands and Belgium, aimed at bolstering soy exports from Wisconsin through the U.S. St. Lawrence Seaway. Scheduled for September 2-6, the visit will include stops in Rotterdam and Antwerp—two key European ports.
This initiative, hosted in collaboration with the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA), aims to explore and enhance the interconnectivity of commerce along one of the potential greenest shipping lanes in the world, especially with the anticipated increase in biodiesel availability.
"We are excited for the opportunity to partner with SSGA for a trade mission to Rotterdam,” stated Adam Kask, Executive Director of WSMB. “Developing soybean exports through the St. Lawrence Seaway is crucial to growing Wisconsin’s agricultural economy, and we are thankful for the chance to build relationships with European buyers.”
The delegation from Wisconsin includes farmers Sara Stelter, Steve Wilkins, Nancy Kavazanjian, and Jake Steffes. They will be joined by representatives from the Minnesota Soybean, Illinois Soybean, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), and leaders from ocean carriers and the European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC), among others.
The agenda is packed with strategic activities including a USDA briefing on market development opportunities, meetings with European animal feed processing industry leaders, and tours designed to provide insight into the future operations of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
This mission underscores WSMB's commitment to expanding the international reach of Wisconsin's soybean producers and enhancing sustainable agricultural practices through new, greener export routes.
