A historic highlight reel shared soon after opening remarks did more than offer past perspective for U.S. wheat farmers and Taiwanese millers and bakers celebrating the 60th anniversary of U.S. Wheat Associates’ (USW) Taipei Office.
It set a path forward. And it provided a whole set of new mileposts.
“We saw 60 years of partnership in five minutes, but the photos and memories of our predecessors working together quickly made it clear how and why we have a strong relationship,” Hsien-teh “Daniel” Lai, Chairman of the Taiwan Flour Mills Association (TFMA), said, pointing out that it’s been the people from both countries who have made things work over the years. “In Taiwan, we see the work U.S. Wheat does, the services it provides to our industry professionals. Also, importantly, we have gotten to know the U.S. wheat farmer through U.S. Wheat, and we value that greatly.”
Before Lai and USW Chairman Jim Pellman traded opening remarks, Raymond Greene, director of the American Institute in Taiwan, welcomed more than 100 people to the day-long celebration with words of praise for both sides of the six decades-long trade partnership. Greene shared with the audience an appreciation for the work that has been done on both sides of the proverbial trade table.
Pellman, who grows wheat in North Dakota, spoke of his admiration for Taiwan’s approach to doing business, comparing the commitment required by millers and bakers to his own job.
“Farming is not an easy profession, but it teaches hard work, patience, preparation and persistence,” Pellman explained. “Good and hard lessons learned are balanced when I travel to countries like Taiwan and witness the incredible products made with the wheat we have grown with care.”
“I want to thank all of you in this room today that are part of this incredible process from farm to table. As you watch your own business margins carefully, so do we as wheat farmers spend a lot of time thinking about how to sustain our business operations, especially as our children join us on our farm. I am proud that my sons own their own land and farm alongside me.”
Mike Carstensen, USW Secretary-Treasurer and Washington wheat farmer, also mingled among the audience, which included members of TFMA, the China Grain Products Research and Development Institute (CGPRDI), bakery and noodle association representatives and members of other agricultural cooperators.
“As a farmer, it means a lot to meet the people who buy our wheat, use our wheat and consume food products made with our wheat,” Carstensen said. “I can imagine that the kinds of conversations I have with Taiwan’s millers and bakers today are very similar to conversations that have taken place for the past 60 years. Many things in the world have changed over that time. But the basics of how we get things done together are still the same.”
Along with Pellman and Carstensen, 10 other U.S. wheat farmers joined USW staff for the anniversary event. A half-dozen representatives from state wheat associations also were present from the wheat producing states of North Dakota, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Minnesota and California.
Government officials from both the U.S. and Taiwan were present, as were representatives of companies that export and import U.S. wheat.
To recognize the Taiwan industry, USW staff members presented awards to several companies and organizations as a way of recognizing ongoing partnerships.
Yi-I Huang, USW’s country director in Taiwan, served as moderator of the celebration. Huang also presented awards and offered thoughts on the magical 60-year milestone.
“We must work to preserve what has been built for us, do what we can to make it even better,” Huang said. “We are grateful for our partners in the Taiwan food and milling businesses. We are also grateful for the U.S. wheat farmers who attended the anniversary, and those back in the U.S. preparing to harvest or plant their crops. It’s the most important part of the U.S. wheat supply chain.”
USW President and CEO Mike Spier was the featured speaker, presenting a broad look at the past 60 years, while also sharing goals and thought for the future.
“It was U.S. wheat farmers who reached out through our legacy organization, Western Wheat Associates, in the early 1960s to build new partnerships in Taiwan and opened the first office here in Taipei in 1966,” Spier told the audience. “This work together in these early years forged the strong relationship between U.S. wheat farmers and Taiwanese flour millers that we enjoy today.”
Spier continued by looking forward, saying it is always nice to take a glance back – but that U.S. Wheat and American producers constantly focus on the future.
“One truth is certain – the trade relationship between U.S. wheat farmers and Taiwan’s millers and bakers is of the utmost importance,” he said. “Our work together is far from complete. Celebrating 60 years of working side by side, our wheat farmers are proud of what we have built together and excited about the future. As we look ahead, we are confident that this relationship will continue to grow – strengthened by trust, shared values and a common commitment to quality.
