WISHH Program Expands U.S. Soy Markets in Central Asia

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) program of the American Soybean Association continues to promote the expansion of U.S. soy markets in Central Asia.

The rapidly developing region offers new opportunities for soybean farmers in both food and feed sectors. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan are showing growing demand for high-quality protein, placing U.S. soy at the forefront of export expansion.

In recent years, WISHH has partnered with organizations across several countries in the region, organizing trade delegations and hosting representatives in the U.S. to meet with soy producers, study processing innovations, develop products, and explore new uses of soy in food products.

A new phase of WISHH’s work in Central Asia is now underway.

A key element driving the initiative is the strategy to export U.S. soy through the Trans-Caspian corridor, which aligns with increasing U.S. interest and investment in the region.

The strategy focuses on expanding soy exports to countries with rapidly growing populations and economies, emphasizing capacity building, targeted marketing, buyer education, regulatory solutions, and logistics.

“At present, the U.S. holds less than 1% of the soy market in the region, but we are working to change that,” said WISHH Executive Director Gina Perry. “We are leveraging USDA funding alongside government and national soybean support funds in countries we identify as the next key export markets.”

This strategic approach was highlighted in December when WISHH and the Government of Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding soybean value chains and promoting trade between the countries.

The signing took place during the annual C5+1 summit between the U.S. and five Central Asian countries. The agreement provides a foundation for improving food security, strengthening private sector capacity, and connecting Uzbek buyers with U.S. soy suppliers.

As Uzbekistan’s poultry, dairy, and aquaculture industries grow, so does the demand for high-quality protein sources for the domestic market.

Farmer support is also a key component of WISHH’s regional strategy. For example, the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council was among the first to recognize Uzbekistan’s potential as a future soy market.

Through its funding program, the council invested in market development and relationship building, helping introduce U.S. soy to local feed and food producers.

Minnesota’s collaboration with WISHH has opened doors for local partners, raised awareness of the value of U.S. soy, and established key partnerships expanding across the region.

Farmers understand that WISHH’s role in generating demand for U.S. soy involves monitoring long-term global trends and developing a well-founded strategy for these emerging markets.

“WISHH staff carefully identify markets with real potential for the soy we grow,” said WISHH Committee Chair Maury Hill, noting that the organization celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025. “From market assessment to thoughtful strategic planning, this is why farmers look forward with confidence to the next 25 years.”