In 2020, the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) received a $124,000 grant from the United Soybean Board (USB). This grant was designed to place eight up-and-coming soybean leaders through an enhanced, and soybean-focused, international program. After missing a year due to COVID-19, the program was approved for an extension by USB and applications are now open for the 2022 program.

IFYE is a premier international cultural exchange program for young adults. Historically affiliated with National 4-H, and founded in 1948, IFYE is an independent, not-for-profit organization welcoming participants from all areas of agriculture-related industries. This program is a vital component in building and assuring a sustainable pipeline of leaders in the agriculture industry.

Participants will be connected with the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) representatives in their host country. There they will gain first-hand knowledge of uses, logistics, and barriers to soybean exports from the United States. This type of experience will set the foundation for future leadership among the participants to serve USB or their state board or association.

To apply, participants will first complete the IFYE online application at ifyeusa.org/foreign-exchange-program/become-participant. Candidates will see two application forms: one for the Soybean Program and one for the IFYE Core Program. All candidates must be at least 19 years of age or older.

After the application and interview process, selected participants will experience an in-depth look at another country’s rural culture, trade relations and agricultural production and processing techniques. They will experience this by living it, spending two to three months in their host countries. Selected applicants will depart for their host countries in June 2022, returning in early September. To learn more about the IFYE exchange program visit ifyeusa.org.