In spite of soybean prices that seemed hig h to some importing nations this year, the market continues to grow in surprising places. We were surprised. Much of the imports are being used in poultry production down there. Another market that's among the fastest growing in the world is Turkey, says Mark Sloan, Agricultural Counselor based in Ankara.
Producers there feed roasted, full-fat beans to poultry.
In 1995 only three feed companies were importing beans. This year that number has grown to 25. Sloan attributes much of the growth there to promotional work by the American Soybean Association. Vietnam just began importing soybean meal about five months ago, says Ross Kreamer, Agricultural Attache based in Hanoi. That country has both corn and soybean production but has a protein deficit.