Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture Randy Romanski recently returned from a trade mission to Thailand and Indonesia. He says this trip is just one part of Wisconsin’s long-term effort to grow international trade.
“We’re always looking to promote Wisconsin products around the world,” Romanski explained. “Southeast Asia is a growing market, and that makes it a good place for our products.”
With rising incomes in the region, demand for high-quality food is increasing. Fortunately, Wisconsin is ready to deliver.
“Wisconsin agriculture is incredibly diverse,” Romanski said. “That means we have a lot of opportunities around the world.”
Wisconsin products like cheese, cranberries, ginseng, as well as dairy genetics are already recognized internationally for their quality and reliability. While dairy remains a key focus, Romanski says other products are gaining ground.
“In both countries, there was great interest in Wisconsin cheese,” he said. “They even asked about brats!”
The trip wasn’t just about promoting products. It was about building relationships.
“When we visited Thailand and Indonesia, we weren’t starting from scratch,” he noted. “There were already trade connections we could build on.”
Romanski credits the Wisconsin International Agribusiness Center for helping connect local businesses to global markets. The USDA also played a big role through its Foreign Agricultural Service offices abroad.
One highlight of the trip was seeing a display of Wisconsin cheese in a store. Another was hearing about the new “Future Farmers of Indonesia” program, inspired by Wisconsin’s own FFA.
“This kind of relationship leads to lasting results,” Romanski said. “It’s not just one visit and done.”
Despite global uncertainties, including trade policy changes, Romanski says Wisconsin continues to make progress.
“We don’t control everything that happens internationally,” he said. “But we can keep investing in trade and building trust.”
Thanks to state funding, Wisconsin is opening new doors in markets where it previously had little presence.
“We’ve had record years for ag, food, and forestry exports,” Romanski noted. “Wisconsin products now reach over 150 countries.”
Still, he said it’s important to keep showing up. “We have to let people know: Wisconsin is here, we have great products, and we want to be your partner.”
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