Jeanine Moyer Building markets through relationships Japanese and Taiwanese buyers visit Ontario to see how soybeans make their way from the farm to global food processors Strong buyer relationships and firsthand market insights help Ontario soybean growers protect premium markets and respond to evolving customer needs. ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER MARKET DEVELOPMENT For Ontario soybean farmers, Japan and Taiwan are more than points on a map. They are key markets for the province's food-grade and non-GMO soybeans, where buyers look for consistency, quality, and reliable supply. When buyers from these markets come to Ontario, the trip is about more than seeing a farm. It is an opportunity to build relationships, understand customer needs, and show what goes into producing the soybeans they buy. That was the focus of two incoming missions from Japan and Taiwan in September, coordinated by Soy Canada with support from Grain Farmers of Ontario and other industry partners. The delegations visited farms, exporters, processors, and research facilities and took part in seminars and business-to-business meetings. The goal was to give buyers a better understanding of the people and systems behind Canadian soybeans. “These visits showcase Ontario’s strengths in soybean production, research, processing, identity preservation, and transportation,” says Demian Gallego, Soy Canada’s market development manager. “They also give exporters direct access to established and prospective customers, supporting long-term relationships, future contracts, and continued investment throughout the provincial soybean value chain.” Delegates from the Japanese Tofu Association meet with representatives of Grain Farmers of Ontario. Photo: Soy Canada.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQzODE4