ASA-IM Japan hosted the Soybean Conference, combining the annual soybean conference and food soybean conference, for the Japanese soybean complex on November 15 at Royal Park Hotel.  Over 300 people from crushers, traders, soy food manufacturers, distributors, researchers, and MAFF government officials participated in the conference. During the Conference, the trade show by U.S. soybean suppliers and Japanese soy food makers was also held. The speakers were a MAFF official, ASA Chairman Rick Ostlie, Dr. James Orf, Mr. Rodney Schlatter of the Barlett Grain, and Mr. Dan Duran. The new crop quality is the biggest interest for the participants, but in addition, they are very much concerned about the stable supply of U.S. soybeans and soaring soybean prices, under the increased demand for biodiesel use.  Mr. Dan Duran, during his presentation, mentioned about the press meeting held by the four Japanese soy food associations to request consumers to understand the price raise due to the cost increase and stressed that USSEC/ASA-IM are willing to support the Japanese customers and work closely to develop more win-win situation for both sides, and that forward contract production and higher premiums will be necessary in order to assure continued supply of high quality of U.S. food grade soybeans. 

Soybean Conference at Royal Park Hotel on November 15, 2007

Mr. Jim Boots and Mr. Adam Knewtson, MCIA at Trade Show