California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross traveled to Thailand from April 24 to May 1 as part of a National Association of State Department of Agriculture (NASDA) trade mission focused on strengthening agricultural trade relationships and expanding California’s presence in a key Southeast Asian market.
Thailand, along with Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, has emerged as a critical growth market for U.S. agricultural exports, particularly in dairy, tree nuts, and fresh fruit. California’s annual ag exports to Thailand alone were valued at approximately $226 million, underscoring the importance of continued engagement in the region. The trade mission, funded at the federal level, reflected a broader commitment to strengthening economic ties within the fast-growing Southeast Asian economy.
The official program began with a visit to the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Thailand (Bangkok), where Secretary Ross and fellow delegates with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), met with Ambassador Sean O’Neill and embassy staff. These discussions provided valuable insights into current trade dynamics and opportunities for U.S. agriculture in the region.
Throughout the week, Secretary Ross collaborated with fellow state representatives from Kansas, Maryland, South Dakota, and Tennessee. The delegation participated in a series of high-level briefings and meetings with organizations including the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, as well as U.S. agricultural cooperators active in the region. Among them was the California Milk Advisory Board, which reported strong growth in California cheese sales in Southeast Asia.
Additional perspectives were shared by embassy representatives from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, all of whom highlighted opportunities for collaboration and strategic partnerships across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – ASEAN markets.
A key highlight of the mission included a visit with the executive leadership of CPF Foods, a global agri-food company with significant operations in farming, feed production, livestock, seafood, and food processing. The delegation engaged in discussions on sustainability, innovation, and the role of emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence—in addressing future global food demands. The visit concluded with a formal dinner hosted by the company’s senior chairman, offering further opportunity for dialogue on shared agricultural priorities.
The delegation also welcomed participation from the U.S. Meat Export Federation, which highlighted promising growth prospects for American beef in Thailand. Conversations emphasized the complementary role of U.S. feed grains in supporting Thailand’s livestock sector and expanding market access for American producers.
Retail visits to Gourmet One and Tops Supermarket showcased evolving consumer preferences and a growing demand for premium U.S. products, including California cheese, specialty crops, wine, and beef. These visits illustrated how shifting demographics and rising incomes in Thailand are driving increased interest in high-quality imported goods.
In addition to commercial engagements, Secretary Ross and the delegation met with Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration and Department of Agriculture to better understand regulatory frameworks and technical trade barriers. While discussions addressed non-tariff measures, the need for tariff reductions on U.S. agricultural products remained a central focus.
The trade mission marked a productive and insightful week, reinforcing California’s commitment to expanding its global agricultural footprint. Secretary Ross’s participation highlighted the state’s leadership in international trade and its proactive approach to building partnerships in key emerging markets across Southeast Asia.