Indiana celebrates soybean oil masters graduation

By Andi Anderson

The Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and the U.S. Soy Export Council (USSEC) recently celebrated the graduation of the latest class from the Soybean Oil Masters program.

This initiative aims to educate international stakeholders about the benefits and sustainability of U.S.-grown soybeans, particularly to those in the agricultural, trade, and culinary sectors.

Kevin Cox, Chair of the ISA, praised the achievements of the graduates, noting the importance of the program in building market capacity and knowledge. "You have joined an elite group of only 1,000 graduates from around the world," Cox said, highlighting the diverse representation from countries across the Americas and Asia.

The program included a week of immersive tours across Indiana, where participants visited key agricultural sites including Purdue University and local agribusinesses.

The highlight of their visit was attending the Indianapolis 500-mile race, where they enjoyed foods prepared with high oleic soybean oil, a product Indiana proudly leads in producing.

These tours are part of ISA's broader mission to demonstrate the value of U.S. soybeans and to foster international relationships that enhance the U.S. position in the global market. Will McNair, USSEC Director of Oil and Soy Food Programs, emphasized the importance of these interactions.

"Our hope is that these soybean industry stakeholders will return home knowing that the United States is a consistent, reliable supplier that is innovating to help meet their demand needs for the future," McNair stated.

As Indiana continues to be a pivotal state for soybean production and innovation, programs like the Soybean Oil Masters are essential in educating and creating preferences for U.S. soybeans among international buyers, thereby supporting the local and national agricultural economy.

Photo Credit -istock-urpspoteko