Trade Missions – What Are They and How Can They Support the Export of Animal Food?

Written by: Ivy Torres   |   April 25, 2024

Vietnam, Global Competitiveness, China, Brazil, International Trade, Trade, Morocco

Over the last few years, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has significantly expanded its support for members in international areas. Our efforts have now broadened to include developing stronger relationships with foreign and international feed associations as well as with foreign governments. In addition, we are providing education to international buyers, end-users, importers and regulators about the quality and diversity of U.S. animal feed, thereby enhancing market access for our industry. 

As our global work has expanded, we have forged closer ties to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Many of our members are familiar with our collaboration with FAS, as the grants we receive from the department has allowed us to have some boots on the ground in Vietnam, China, Brazil and most recently, Morocco.  

One of the ways in which the FAS supports American industry is by sponsoring international trade missions. These trade missions differ from those put on by the U.S. industry as they bring together individuals from different commodity groups and agricultural sectors with the common goal of connecting U.S. exporters with potential customers, gathering market intelligence and hopefully, generating sales.  

What does this all mean?  

The FAS in Washington, D.C., collaborates with its international offices and leverages its relationships in key foreign markets to facilitate business-to-business meetings with U.S. companies taking part in trade missions. These interactions offer U.S. businesses a chance to directly inquire about local markets and policies from FAS staff, foreign governments and potential buyers. In addition, these meetings provide an excellent opportunity to connect with U.S. government officials on the front lines in key markets and serve as prime networking opportunities within the industry, allowing participants to engage with various trade associations and U.S. companies across U.S. agriculture.  

The AFIA’s global affairs team organizes our own member missions, but as we continue to expand our international presence, the opportunities remain limited. FAS-sponsored trade missions offer an additional avenue for AFIA’s memberships to explore new markets. 

There are three FAS trade missions left in the 2024 year; all three have been indicated as markets of interest by our membership. AFIA staff will be applying to attend the Vietnam and Morocco missions; if your company is interested and would like to be added to our application, please reach out to AFIA’s Ivy Torres or Mallory Gaines. 

• Colombia (August 13-15) 

  • AFIA will not be attending but highly encourages both feed ingredient manufacturers and pet food producers to apply! 

• Vietnam (September 9-13) 

• Morocco (December 2-6)