Participants at the Asia Soy Excellence and Food Summit 2024. (Image source: USSEC)

Soy’s significance in Asia's rich cultural and culinary tapestry was emphasised at the  recent Asia Soy Excellence and Food Summit 2024 which took place from 20-22 March in Bangkok, Thailand

Organised by the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), the summit themed ‘Eating Tomorrow – Future of Food Redefined with Soy,’ highlighted soy's role in future foods and its contribution to a circular economy. The event also acted as a meeting point for industry stakeholders, thought leaders, researchers, US soy farmers and suppliers to come together to discuss and collaborate. 

Among the wide range of topics covered during the event, the spotlight was on emerging trends such as the demand for plant-based protein alternatives and the utilisation of soy by-products like okara to combat food waste.

The pivotal role of collaboration and trust-building in the industry was also underscored during the summit, with engagement facilitated across the soy supply chain, ranging from US soy farmers to exporters and allied industry members. This ensured the provision of high-quality, sustainable US Soy to meet the region's dietary and nutritional needs.

Moreover, culinary demonstrations showcasing soy's versatility in Southeast Asian cuisine were also featured at the summit. 

JICA, DA, and concerned LGUs collaborate on "Project for Market-Driven Enhancement of Vegetable Value Chain in the Philippines (MV2C-TCP)" to develop inclusive FVC models tackling value chain issues. (Image source: JICA)

A collaboration between JICA and the Department of Agriculture (DA) aims to introduce Japanese technologies and business models in Benguet, Quezon, and Metro Manila to address challenges along the vegetable value chain 

Persistent challenges like price fluctuations, high distribution costs, postharvest losses, and high poverty rates among farmers hinder the agriculture sector, especially the vegetable industry. A modernised value chain is urgently needed to provide higher income for farmers and promote private sector participation and job creation.

The "Project for Market-Driven Enhancement of Vegetable Value Chain in the Philippines (MV2C-TCP)" seeks to develop inclusive Food Value Chain (FVC) models to tackle issues at various stages of the value chain.

One year into the MV2C-TCP implementation, the Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) discussed the project's progress and future directions.

“JICA continues to highlight agriculture development as a backbone of Philippine economy in terms of its prospective impact to economic growth, poverty alleviation, job creation, promotion of healthy lives of Filipino people, among others. Also, in these years, JICA has been advocating and promoting the “Market-Oriented Approach” to the agriculture development even in other countries. As such, MV2C-TCP remains to be a relevant and important part of JICA’s assistance portfolio in the Philippines,” said OSHIMA Jiro, senior representative of JICA Philippines Office.

Aligned with DA secretary Tiu Laurel's three-year plan to modernise Philippine agriculture, the MV2C-TCP aims to spread benefits across the entire value chain and make farming viable for investors.

Collaborating with stakeholders from all stages of the vegetable value chain, the MV2C-TCP is implementing six pilot projects in target sites. These projects focus on production techniques enhancement, refrigeration system optimisation, plastic crate utilisation, modern distribution channel linkages, value addition through merchandising, and vegetable consumption promotion.

Stakeholder forums held in Benguet and Quezon provided a platform to share information about MV2C pilot projects and conduct business matching among stakeholders.

The project plans to expand pilot projects in additional municipalities in Benguet and Quezon this year. It aims to develop and disseminate inclusive FVC models comprising various verified technologies from pilot projects.

UK-Vietnam agri-trade report identifies growth opportunities, emphasising Vietnamese products' potential in UK markets. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

In the UK-Vietnam Agricultural Trade report titled 'Connecting the UK and Vietnam in agriculture, food and drink', the focus is on highlighting the driving forces behind the UK-Vietnam agricultural trade relationship and identifying potential growth opportunities for the two countries' agricultural sectors

According to the report, with the rapid expansion of Vietnamese restaurants in the UK, British consumers now have access to a variety of Vietnamese agricultural products being sold in supermarkets.

However, Vietnamese agricultural products still only account for a small proportion of imports from Vietnam to the UK, currently making up 4.8%. This situation represents a significant growth opportunity in the field of agricultural products and related items, which is expected to play a more significant role in shaping trade relations between the UK and Vietnam.

The UKVFTA Agreement officially took effect in May 2021 and is a catalyst for trade exchange. UKVFTA offers huge opportunities for the agriculture, food, and beverage industries. Most food and beverage product lines are currently benefiting from a gradual reduction and, eventually, complete elimination of tariffs by 2031 (subject to relevant tariff quotas).

According to the report, by 2023 Vietnam's fish and shellfish export value to the UK will reach nearly US$300mn, making seafood the fifth product group among the main export products from Vietnam. In January 2023, the People's Committee of Cao Phong district (Hoa Binh province) coordinated with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Hoa Binh province to organise a ceremony to export to the UK the first shipment of seven tons of Cao Phong oranges. Next, in May 2023, a shipment of five tons of typical Vietnamese Ri6 durian was distributed to supermarkets across the UK.

The report also stated that although Vietnam's imports currently only account for 1% of the UK's total annual imports of US$700bn, high purchasing power and the growing Vietnamese community in the UK are the basis foundation for guaranteed future growth. Currently, the UK is Vietnam's third largest trading partner in Europe.

In addition, with the UK joining CPTPP, the accessibility of Vietnamese agricultural products will also improve. The report also emphasises that, in recent years, Vietnam's agricultural sector has been transforming towards reducing emissions, applying organic processes, and exploiting renewable energy sources. These environmental protection efforts will resonate with British consumers, who prioritise products with traceability, food safety, environmental friendliness, and ethical standards.

Additionally, as Vietnamese cuisine such as pho or banh mi becomes more popular with the British, the Vietnamese government and exporters could do better to promote brands that have been recognised and protected with geographical indication for Vietnamese agricultural products, similar to a number of British food brands such as Scottish whiskey, Ahmad, Twinings, Cadbury, and McVitie's that have successfully entered Vietnam.

Huida Technology participate in the 2024 Hannover Agricultural Machinery Exhibition in Thailand. (Image source: Huida Tech)

HUIDA TECH, China's foremost manufacturer of agricultural drones, tractor autopilot systems, and intelligent irrigation systems, showcased its flagship agricultural products and solutions, including agricultural drones, navigation, and intelligent irrigation systems at Agritechnica Asia 2024, held from May 22 to 24 in Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre

The premier trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment in Asia, jointly hosted by The German Agricultural Society (DLG) and VNU Exhibition Asia Pacific, provided a platform for HUIDA TECH to highlight its commitment to providing highly efficient agricultural solutions. The company focuses on R&D and manufacturing of advanced equipment covering the entire farming and harvesting process, widely applied in various stages of agricultural production in Thailand.

Faye Liang, head of HUIDA TECH Asia-Pacific Region, emphasised the company's deep understanding of the agricultural sector's practical needs for intelligent equipment. She stated, "HUIDA TECH has long been immersed in the agricultural sector, deeply understanding the practical needs for intelligent equipment. We continually upgrade our R&D and manufacturing capabilities and establish a global sales and service network. Leveraging our strong R&D and supply chain advantages, we focus on innovation and intelligent technology to transform traditional agriculture, ensuring precision, automation, and intelligent operation."

Smart drone solutions: Boosting efficiency, accuracy, and safety

Their latest 540S agricultural drone builds upon the foundation of the HD540Pro, enhancing functions and performance, especially in spraying, sowing, avionics control, and electricity optimisation, to meet various application scenarios. This innovation aims to achieve safer, more precise, and more efficient agricultural operations, including sowing and spraying. Notably, HUIDA TECH has achieved independent R&D of all core components, allowing for comprehensive management of the product's development process.

Navigating bigger crop yield: Precision in agricultural machinery autopilot

The HD408 navigation agricultural machinery autopilot system developed by HUIDA TECH enables high-precision positioning, inertial navigation, and automatic control for operations such as sowing, furrowing, mulching, and ridging. Operating nonstop around the clock, this system improves land utilisation, operating accuracy, efficiency, and boosts crop yield and economic benefits.

Smart irrigation solutions: Conserving resources and costs

Their intelligent irrigation system integrates intelligent monitoring and control equipment with software, accurately controlling the entire irrigation process from the pump room to the field. Real-time status monitoring of crop growth, pests and diseases, and soil environment, coupled with agronomic, crop, and soil modeling, provides growers with scientific insight to make decisions and optimise planting management. The system is expected to save 30% of water, 15% of fertiliser, and labor by 80%, thereby improving crop yield while lowering operating costs.

Focus on Southeast Asian market: Localising solutions for Thailand

Thailand, as the most important agricultural country in Southeast Asia, is the world's No.1 producer of natural rubber, a top rice exporter, and a major producer and exporter of cash crops including cassava, sugar cane, and corn.

Liang stated, "The market is presenting both challenges and opportunities. For HUIDA TECH, we will focus on not only promoting intelligent product development but also advancing the localisation of our products, services, and solutions in the Southeast Asian market."