Minnesota hosts Agri trade teams from Japan and Korea

By Scout Nelson

This week marks an important event for the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association as they host trade teams from Japan and South Korea.

The visit, part of the teams' annual sample tour, is designed to deepen their understanding of Minnesota's agricultural sector, focusing on soybean production.

The tour kicked off on Monday with visits to two key farms - the Schrader family farm and Aaron Jones’s farm.

These visits showcased the state's commitment to innovative farming techniques, including precision agriculture and soil conservation strategies, which play a pivotal role in sustainable farming.

Kevin Park, a representative from POSCO, an international import and export company, said it was useful to see these things firsthand.

“It is important to see how it is being produced and grown and how technology is being used for growing the seeds and the grains,” Park said.

The delegates discussed various topics crucial to both the local and international agriculture markets, such as the adoption of non-GMO crops tailored for the Japanese and Korean markets.

This aspect of the tour highlighted the global demand for specific crop types and the potential for Minnesota to expand its market reach.

Kevin Park noted the value of seeing Minnesota's agricultural operations up close, providing the teams with a clearer picture of how their requirements for non-GMO products can be met.

The interactions during the tour not only provided the trade teams with insights into the current state of Minnesota's soybean industry but also opened discussions on potential improvements and increased trade relations.

The teams take valuable knowledge and data provided by the University of Minnesota on this year's crop nutritional values.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski