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Soybean farmers seek new markets in East Africa

Soybean farmers are in Kenya and Tanzania this week as part of a trade mission hosted by the USDA.

Kansas farmer Lance Rezac representing the United Soybean Board tells Brownfield three weeks ago the new president of Kenya removed the country’s GMO ban.

“We have talked to government officials over here. We have talked to the livestock feed manufacturers and the farmers. Everyone is really on board to begin importing GMO grains.”

The US Soybean Export Council is there is there helping educate local stakeholders on the potential benefits of soy and certifications to begin importing GMO grains. 

Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare of Illinois is the Chair of the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) program. She says East Africa is one of the fastest growing areas on the continent.

“And there is a huge need to improve and increase the supply of quality protein available to the people of Kenya and Tanzania. The US has the ability to help fulfill that need.”

Representatives from 32 US agribusiness and farm organizations are on trade mission. 

*Featured Photo Caption: Prosoya Kenya CFO Caroline Mukami Gichuru walks WISHH Chair Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare and USSEC Executive Committee Member Lance Rezac through the company’s soy-based foods and feeds operation. The two sides discussed how Prosoya is supplying products to meet local demand. Photo provided by ASA