USMEF-ASEAN Hosts Iowa Corn Leadership Team

The I-LEAD team from Iowa visited wet markets and retail outlets during a trade mission to Malaysia and the Philippines

USMEF participated in an educational mission to Malaysia and the Philippines organized by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) in partnership with the Iowa Corn Leadership Enhancement and Development program (I-LEAD). Supported by the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB), I-LEAD is a resource for future leaders in Iowa who want to contribute to the long-term profitability of their agricultural industries.

The mission’s itinerary, which included a presentation by Sabrina Yin, USMEF-ASEAN director, highlighted some of the challenges and opportunities for agriculture in the region. Led by USGC officials, participants toured feed mills and aquaculture farms and met with traders and government officials from Malaysia and the Philippines.

Yin joined the team for visits to wet markets and retail outlets that sell red meat.

“I explained to the I-LEAD team that to promote U.S. red meat in the region, USMEF emphasizes their superior quality and flavor, using descriptions such as ‘corn fed to tenderness’ for beef and ‘grain fed to perfection’ for pork,” she explained. USGC leaders pointed out that Malaysia and the Philippines have very different trading environments. Malaysia is a signatory to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), while the Philippines continues to impose high tariffs on some imported goods.

“We were proud to partner with Iowa Corn and to be a part of this mission to help develop future leaders in U.S. agriculture,” said John Hinners, USMEF assistant vice president for industry relations. “International trade is vital to U.S. agriculture and giving future leaders like those involved with I-LEAD an opportunity to experience the trade process is invaluable.”