Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly touts the numerous opportunities he and the trade mission delegates had during their recent week-and-a-half visit to Indonesia to promote Nebraska products and further drive market growth. The team of over 20 people participated in a variety of meetings, events and activities primarily geared toward showcasing Nebraska agricultural products such as beef, pork, soybeans, corn and grains. The delegation included representatives from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), the Nebraska Department of Commerce (DED), the University of Nebraska and several representatives from Nebraska’s agricultural sector.
“Importers are very interested in learning how our products are grown and raised. They value family connections and sustainability – all things that are important in Nebraska agriculture – and that make our state a standout in the food we offer,” said Lieutenant Governor Kelly. With that in mind, he and Director Sherry Vinton of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture frequently spoke about the quality of family farms and the pride that goes into producing the best Nebraska products possible.
“This was a remarkable trade mission that will benefit Nebraska’s agricultural producers,” said NDA Director Vinton. “Our delegation received a warm welcome and all the face-to-face meetings with new and existing distributors and sales representatives will prove invaluable.”
Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and the fourth most populous country in the world. It offers significant market opportunities for Nebraska products. With a value of US$139 million, Indonesia is one of Nebraska’s top 10 export markets. The country’s GDP is increasing rapidly and its population is growing. Nebraska’s major exports include soybeans/soybean meal, corn, wheat and beef.
The group’s extensive 10-day program included meetings with the U.S. Grains Council, beef import associations and visits to a feed mill, a gas station that uses ethanol and a tempeh factory. Tempeh is a very popular dish in Indonesia and representatives from the Nebraska Soybean Board said they were eager to explore ways to increase exports.
“Indonesia is one of the largest consumers of soybean meal in the world, but the U.S. has a very small market share, so we’ve had good discussions about market opportunities for purchasing soybean meal from Nebraska,” said Wesley Wach of the Nebraska Soybean Board. “Nebraska and Indonesia have a promising future when it comes to soybeans.”
Additional networking opportunities were provided at the Indo Livestock Expo and Forum, the country’s leading livestock, feed and dairy event, and the Jakarta International Expo for Food. Following that event, delegation members met with the new U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Kamala Sharon Lakhdhir. Discussions focused on strengthening Indonesia’s relationship with Nebraska, the opportunities emerging in the soy meal, pork and beef markets, and doing more to meet requirements for halal certifications.
A visit to the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta provided another important opportunity for Lieutenant Governor Kelly and attendees to discuss halal certification standards that ensure that foods grown and processed in Nebraska are suitable for consumption by Muslims. More than 87% of Indonesia’s population identifies as Muslim, so the ability to offer certified halal foods and other products is critical to this global market.
Another highlight was the visit to the Southeast Asian Food Science and Technology (SEAFAST) Center at IPB University, a state-run agricultural university. The focus there was on opportunities for student exchange programs and research collaboration in plant and animal sciences.
At the SEAFAST Center, Dr. Chris Calkins, a world-renowned professor emeritus of meat science at the University of Nebraska, led a five-hour workshop for more than 70 culinary students. During the presentation, he explained the difference that makes Nebraska beef a sought-after menu item – a corn diet.
“Laying the foundation for understanding and appreciation among future top hospitality professionals can pay off in the long run,” says Dr. Calkins.
Dr. Jessie Morrill, assistant professor of meat biochemistry at the University of Nebraska, made similar observations.
“Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are outstanding producers of high-quality protein foods that are in high demand in Indonesia,” said Dr. Morrill. “Commercializing these products in Indonesia can provide significant benefits to our producers and will also help increase the availability of protein foods in Indonesia.”
“It was exciting to be part of the educational effort aimed at sharing with Indonesian chefs and retailers the story that makes Nebraska beef so exceptional,” said Grant Potadle, founder of York Creek Red Angus in Herman, NE. “Creating that demand in the market and laying a foundation for future relationships will have a big impact in the long run.”
Lieutenant Governor Kelly showed off his culinary skills at a beef preparation demonstration at the Grand Indonesia Ranch Market, a grocery store chain. Towards the end of their visit, the delegation members went to Cinema XXI, the largest movie theater chain in Indonesia, which imports Preferred Popcorn from Chapman, NE.
Lieutenant Governor Kelly said all aspects of the trade mission were productive and provided numerous opportunities for Nebraska given Indonesia’s growing population of 270 million people.
“Nebraska is helping to feed the world, and customers are demanding higher quality meat products. And we fit the bill,” said Lieutenant Governor Kelly.
The trade mission took place from 15 to 24 July.
