Strengthening Agricultural Trade: U.S. Delegation Led by Agriculture Undersecretary Embarks on Trade Mission to Japan

A high-profile agricultural trade mission to Japan is set to commence from June 5 to 8, led by Alexis Taylor, the Agriculture Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. The delegation comprises influential leaders from various businesses, state departments of agriculture, and commodity groups, all geared towards expanding bilateral trade relations between the United States and Japan.

Japan, as one of the world's leading economies, holds significant importance as a market for U.S. food and agricultural exports. With Japan ranking as the fourth-largest market for these exports, the mission aims to further strengthen this trade relationship. Last year, U.S. exports to Japan reached a record-breaking $14.6 billion, with notable achievements in soybeans, dairy products, and other sectors. The United States plays a vital role in Japan's food security, supplying nearly a quarter of the country's food and agricultural imports.

During the trade mission, participants will engage directly with potential buyers, gain valuable market insights from the Agriculture Department's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and industry experts, and embark on informative site visits. The delegation represents a diverse array of businesses, including many women-, minority-, and veteran-owned agribusinesses, aiming to establish fruitful partnerships with Japanese counterparts.

Joining Undersecretary Taylor on this crucial mission are esteemed figures such as Idaho State Director of Agriculture Chanel Tewalt, Indiana State Director of Agriculture Don Lamb, and Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles. Additionally, officials from various state departments of agriculture, including California, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Washington, and Wisconsin, will be in attendance, along with 40 agricultural businesses and trade groups.

This trade mission underscores the commitment of both the United States and Japan to foster mutually beneficial trade relations in the agriculture sector. By strengthening ties and exploring new opportunities, the delegation aims to build a sustainable and prosperous future for agricultural trade between the two nations.

Photo Credit: PNGitem-Kartik Sharma