By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture organized a special trip for our state's farm industry representatives to explore the land of the rising sun - Japan! This wasn't just any tour; it was a deep dive into how people in Japan buy and eat their food, which, by the way, is quite a unique experience compared to what we're used to in the US and Europe.
One of the travelers, Richard Syverson from the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, shared some really interesting observations. He noticed that because people in Japan have smaller living spaces, they don't stock up on food. Imagine having a fridge just a fraction of the size of ours!
Minnesota and Japan have been trade buddies for a long time. Back in 2021, Japan made up 8% of Minnesota's food and agricultural exports. And it's not just any food they're trading. Corn growers in the US, including those from Minnesota, have Japan as a major buyer.
In a four-year span, the U.S. sent a massive amount of corn and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) to Japan. But that's not all - Japan also got a huge portion of red meat from the U.S. during that time.
To make these sales smoother, Minnesota Corn is putting money into groups like the U.S. Grains Council and the U.S. Meat Export Federation. They're even focusing on promoting U.S. beef in Japan and South Korea in 2023.
During their visit, the delegation got an inside look at a company that turns 40,000 bushels of corn into food starch every day. They're hoping this visit could lead to more business opportunities and maybe even lower shipping costs for the company.
The trip included visiting traditional Japanese gardens, attending a tea ceremony, and admiring Tokyo from a skyscraper. They learned about the local food scene, where fresh, small portions are common, and the smart shopping habits of Japanese shoppers regarding health and money.
The trip provided an opportunity for individuals to engage with Minnesota's state legislators about agriculture, fostering global connections and ensuring the strength and strength of Minnesota's agricultural scene.
Photo Credit: pngitem-kartik-sharma
Categories: Minnesota, General