Sharing the “fork to farm” message of U.S. Identity Preserved agriculture, SSGA Manager of Strategic Programs Shane Frederick took part in the USDA’s agribusiness trade mission to Taiwan Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in Taipei. 

The trade mission was an opportunity to learn about the market for U.S. agricultural exports, meet with importers and food manufacturers, and network with fellow U.S. cooperators, associations and businesses. Frederick had the opportunity to speak with USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg, who led the mission, explaining SSGA’s work to promote high-quality, value-added crops, including food-grade soybeans, specialty grains and buckwheat. 

“I met with a variety of importers, some who knew the U.S. Identity Preserved program and some who didn’t,” Frederick said. “Most agreed that the label resonates, as does the ‘fork to farm’ message of traceability and feedback that starts at the consumer level and works its way back to the field.” 

One of the most densely populated areas of the world, the island of 24 million people is very dependent on imports, producing only 30% of its caloric intake domestically. The United States is the largest supplier of ag products Taiwan, accounting for 25% of its import market. Taiwan is the eighth-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, valued at $3.8 billion, a growth of 16% since 2019.  

“We learned that there is continued demand in Taiwan for high-quality, safe and nutritious food,” Frederick said, “and that includes plenty of opportunities for identity preserved crops – not just soybeans but specialty grains, as well.” 

The trade mission, which included 39 agribusinesses, trade associations and state departments of ag, came on the heels of an announcement from Taiwanese officials who intend to increase purchases of several categories of U.S. agricultural products by 30% over the next four years, meaning there are valuable opportunities for U.S. products such as soybeans, corn, wheat, dairy, beef, fresh fruit, tree nuts and more.   

“On a per capita basis, Taiwan already punches above its weight in purchasing high-quality American agriculture, but we are here to showcase more of our amazing brands and food products,” said Lindberg, who was leading his first trade mission since being confirmed by the Senate in August. “As a high-income economy, Taiwanese consumers want nothing but the best, and American producers are uniquely positioned to deliver on that demand. We aim to lock in recent commitments that Taiwanese officials made to American producers and win new sales that will support family farms back home.”   

Previously, SSGA participated in USDA trade missions to the Philippines, Netherlands, Japan, Malaysia/Singapore and Vietnam.