The Future Agriculture Leaders Delegation to China, organized by the U.S. Heartland China Association (USHCA) in coordination with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), successfully completed a week-long learning trip to China from June 1-8.
This unique learning trip brought together student leaders from 15 universities from 15 states across the United States—many from the American Heartland—to study and discuss crucial issues, to promote friendship, and to build trust between the next generation of agricultural leaders in the U.S. and China.
The program received vital support from the U.S. Soy industry, which championed this opportunity to promote American agriculture on a global stage. Their leadership underscores the strategic importance of people-to-people exchange in strengthening global food systems and trade partnerships.
“The biggest question on everyone’s mind going into this trip was what the trade talk would be like. I was surprised how receptive the representatives we talked to were to continue and expand trade with the U.S.,” said Sam Martin, student agriculture leader from Iowa. “Our partners in China are very eager to do everything we can to continue to work together in the future. There is a lot of value in these types of interactions, especially with young Ag leaders.”
Throughout the trip, delegates not only had the opportunity to engage with agricultural experts and explore how international markets can help American agriculture thrive but also engaged in cultural experiences to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture.
In both the capital city of Beijing and in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, delegates were hosted by the USSEC China team for a variety of engagements.
In Zhengzhou, also known as the breadbasket of China, the group visited an agriculture extension site, participated in an aquaculture training session, and visited major producers and businesses headquartered there.
Notable agribusinesses visited include Mixue Bingcheng–which surpasses Starbucks as the world’s largest ready-to-drink beverage chain – as well as Muyuan Group, the #1 hog producer in the world. Delegates attended private meetings with senior executives at both companies. The group was also given a tour of the Shuanghui Group facility, the world’s largest multinational pork production company, known for its acquisition of Smithfield foods in 2013. Delegates were able to view the company’s slaughterhouse in action, as well as meet with the CEO for a Q&A learning session.
In Beijing, delegates participated in a special briefing with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) experts, coordinated and hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China), with support from Cargill. Departments represented include the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS), and Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. Additionally, they had the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of the leaders of major commodity groups, including USSEC, U.S. Grains Council (USGC), U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), and USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC).
USHCA is proud to offer these future stewards of American agriculture a first-hand learning opportunity to deepen their understanding of international markets and bring those insights home to support U.S. farmers and rural communities. This delegation was made possible through the support of the U.S. Soy community, state and local trade associations, select universities, and private donations from the Heartland community.