Idaho Ag Continues To Focus On SE Asia

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture recently led an agricultural trade mission to Vietnam, accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke and 12 Idaho businesses and organizations. The mission took place in November and ISDA said it focused on strengthening relationships and identifying new opportunities for Idaho farmers, ranchers and food processors.

Vietnam continues to be a growing market for U.S. food and agriculture, and Idaho’s agriculture and food processing industries are well positioned to meet that demand.

Vietnam Sees Idaho As A Trusted Source

"With Vietnam opening its market to U.S. exports under the recent deal negotiated by President Trump, Idaho agriculture is positioned for expansion like never before,” Bedke said. “Idaho's reputation for high-quality products opened doors throughout the trip, and the conversations we had made clear that Vietnam sees Idaho as a trusted source."

“We are proud to provide a valuable, agriculture-focused trade mission that supports an industry producing some of the highest-quality products in the world,” said ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt. “This mission gave our ag companies meaningful opportunities to strengthen relationships in the region. The Lt. Governor’s leadership helped open doors at the highest levels, and the conversations we had will support long-term growth for Idaho farmers, ranchers and food processors.”

Idaho exported $10.5 million in goods to Vietnam in 2024, including $8.3 million in food and agriculture products. Dairy products and hay are Idaho’s leading agricultural exports to Vietnam in 2025. The state also sees strong potential for expanding exports of cattle genetics, dairy ingredients, wheat, hops and pulses.

Idaho Is Investing In SE Asia

ISDA added Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asia region hold immense potential for future Idaho agricultural trade. With an established Idaho trade office in Taiwan supporting long-term growth in the region, the state remains committed to building partnerships that strengthen market access and drive continued success for Idaho producers.

The following businesses and organizations joined Lt. Gov. Bedke and ISDA on the trade mission:

Brocke & Sons
Commercial Creamery
Dairy West
Driscoll TopHay
Glanbia Nutritionals
High Desert Milk
Idaho Hop Growers Commission
Idaho Potato Commission
Idaho Wheat Commission
Redox Bio-Nutrients
Sage Hill Northwest
Simplot Animal Science

Industry Reaction To November's Trip

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Lt. Governor Scott Bedke and Director Chanel Tewalt for their leadership in hosting a trade mission to Vietnam," said Jamey Higham, CEO, Idaho Potato Commission. "This provided us with a unique opportunity to reevaluate the Vietnamese market for the export of fresh and frozen Idaho potatoes, paving the way for future growth and collaboration. The state of Idaho’s commitment to fostering international trade is truly appreciated."

“The recent trade mission proved to be a resounding success for our organization," said Jeremy Howard, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, Simplot Animal Sciences. "During the mission, we engaged with influential decision-makers from leading businesses and government entities, fostering valuable connections and strategic partnerships. These discussions have positioned us to advance several key business agreements, marking an important step toward future growth and collaboration.”

“It’s always a valuable opportunity to participate in Idaho trade missions and the recent trade mission to Vietnam was no different. Idaho wheat farmers rely on export markets to move more than 50% of the wheat produced each year," said Cory Kress, Chairman, Idaho Wheat Commission. "Continually fostering relationships with our overseas customers is key to maintaining and growing trade opportunities. In Vietnam, we were able to participate in facility tours and meetings where we discussed the business needs and opportunities of our customers. Customers also appreciated the honor of meeting Lt. Gov. Bedke and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture delegation. Most importantly, the visits deepened our personal relationships - connecting the end user on the other side of the world, back to the Idaho farmer where the wheat journey begins.”

“As a representative of Idaho’s dairy farmers, I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the trade mission to Vietnam. The effort and execution demonstrated by Lieutenant Governor Bedke and the entire ISDA staff were greatly appreciated. I believe the relationships we built throughout the week in Vietnam will lead to significant growth in exports for Idaho’s dairy processors.” said Scott Snelders, Director of Business Development, Dairy West

"I had a great trip with the ISDA team," said Berton Brocke, President, Brocke & Sons. "They put together a great schedule with legitimate companies in my sector. I am currently working with several of these companies to start doing business together. The structure of the meetings and introductions were such that I believe it will lead to long term relationships and many years of business."

“This being Redox Bio-Nutrients' second trade mission with Lt. Governor Bedke, Director Tewalt, and their staff, Redox finds tremendous value in these trade missions. We were able to meet with valuable potential clients that can bring immediate success to our company, potentially knocking off 2-3 years of the market development process," said Colton Moon, President, Redox Bio-Nutrients LLC. "The Lt. Governor showcased the trading power that Idaho brings to Vietnam and across the world, and Redox was excited to be a part of it. I am looking forward to the next trip and the success that it can bring to Redox and to Idaho.”

“The trade mission to Vietnam was a very successful experience for High Desert Milk. The meetings that were arranged were of the highest level, with a lot of support from Lieutenant Governor Bedke and the staff. We were warmly received and had some amazing dialogue as we learned about their business and needs in Vietnam. We were also made aware of their barriers. We made some very promising connections to start the process to export to Vietnam," said Karla Robinson, Controller, High Desert Milk.

“We were grateful for the opportunity to join the delegation," noted Oliver Schroeder, Chairman, Idaho Hop Growers Commission. "Vietnam presents meaningful opportunities for Idaho agriculture, and with creativity and collaboration, we believe producers can continue expanding into this market. We appreciate ISDA and Lt. Gov. Bedke for championing Idaho farmers and ranchers and helping ensure our agricultural heritage remains strong for generations to come."

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