Southeast Asia U.S. Ag Cooperators Conference Marks 20 Years Of Collaboration and Trade

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC), in collaboration with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and U.S. Wheat Associates, recently organized the 20th Southeast Asia (SEA) U.S. Agricultural Cooperators Conference, held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, that saw nearly 500 participants from more than 20 countries gather to discuss the future of global agriculture.

The conference’s theme, “Leaders in Agriculture: Delivering Global Solutions Together,” reflected the organizations’ ongoing commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, trade innovation and collaborative partnerships. Attendees also engaged in networking and business-to-business meetings, reinforcing the collaborative spirit essential for addressing global food security challenges.

“Collaboration across the supply chain—from growers to exporters—ensures that sustainability and quality standards remain high, benefiting both current and future generations,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC president and CEO, during his remarks at the event.

Innovation in grain shipping and logistics emerged as a central topic during the conference. With global trade corridors facing increasing pressure—from bottlenecks in the Panama Canal to geopolitical tensions—the event highlighted the need for more efficient transportation routes for U.S. agricultural exports. Speakers noted that the Pacific Northwest has emerged as a cost-effective route for U.S. grain and soybean exports, providing a competitive advantage over other global suppliers.

Speakers included Ken Eriksen, managing partner at Polaris Analytics and Consulting and Voytek Chelkowski, managing partner at Seamind Blue Ocean, who addressed the audience with insights on the future of sustainable shipping practices and the role these innovations will play in maintaining the U.S.’s competitive edge in global markets. Their discussions shed light on how logistical advancements are essential for maintaining the reliability and sustainability of U.S. agricultural exports to SEA.

The evolving regulatory landscape in global agriculture was also a focal point of the conference. Participants discussed the importance of innovation and adaptation in navigating new environmental regulations while maintaining product quality. U.S. corn and soy producers shared their experiences on the frontlines of U.S. agriculture in a panel session, emphasizing that technological advancements and sustainable practices are key to the industry’s continued growth.

Looking ahead, U.S. agricultural stakeholders expressed optimism for the future of U.S.-SEA trade relations. With advancements in farming technology and logistics, both regions are poised to benefit from stronger economic ties and more resilient supply chains. The partnerships established and strengthened at the conference will play a crucial role in ensuring food security and economic stability across SEA for years to come.

Sales data from the event will be available on the Council’s website and social media pages soon!

Learn more about the Council’s work in Southeast Asia and Oceania here.