Trade mission highlights expanding Idaho ag

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) 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 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.

“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 Chanel Tewalt, director of ISDA. “This mission gave our ag companies meaningful opportunities to strengthen relationships in the region. The lieutenant 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.

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.

Some of the companies and organizations that were part of the trade mission were Driscoll TopHay, Idaho Potato Commission and the Idaho Wheat Commission.