ANNUAL GLOBAL TRADE MISSION VISITS DRY BEAN COUNTRY

Our annual reverse trade mission visited with US dry bean growers and dealers in Michigan, North Dakota, and Nebraska from September 7 – 13, 2019. This year’s mission began in Michigan with a tour of field evaluation, receiving and processing facilities and one on one business networking before moving on to Fargo, North Dakota.

In Fargo the participants enjoyed one on one meetings with industry representatives and spent a day at the Northern Crops Institute (NCI) to learn about the laboratory facilities and new research on dry bean ingredients. This has become an important focus of the mission as buyers in certain markets become increasingly interested in beans as snack and food ingredients.

The group also visited the Food and Nutrition Lab at North Dakota State University (NDSU) to learn more about the health benefits of dry beans. The trade mission wrapped up in Nebraska with more one on one meetings with industry members, visits to bean processing facilities, on farm harvest demonstrations, and time at the University of Nebraska to learn about dry bean breeding. The global reverse trade mission is one of our flagship events taking place each year to allow new global industry contacts and buyers to observe dry bean harvest, learn of new advancements in dry bean research, and meet with our growers and dealers. Every year brings new contacts from loyal buyers, new possibilities from potential new markets and renewed interest in sourcing high quality US dry beans. This year was no exception, despite the challenging trade environment. We are excited to follow up with new potential buyers and will report on sales generated. Thanks to our members who hosted and those who took the time to participate and meet with the team.