Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Lt. Governor Judge To Japanese Leaders: "We Will Meet Our Historic Obligations To Feed The World."
Lt. Governor Says the State is Well-Positioned to Meet the International Demand for Iowa Products
(Des Moines) - Today, Lt. Governor Patty Judge touted the quality and quantity of Iowa's agricultural product exports to Japanese buyers and government officials at the 2008 Japan / Iowa Food Grade Soybean and Grain Seminar.
"Iowa and Japan’s friendship stretches back more than 50 years, and is based upon deep cultural and economic roots,” said Lt. Governor Judge. “Iowa’s exports to Japan have been vital to our state’s agricultural strength in the past, and will continue to be vital to our future. I am confident we will meet our historic obligations to feed the world while keeping our commitments to renewable energy.”
The conference was attended by more than 250 Japanese officials and business leaders who were interested to learn about Iowa, their largest supplier of grains.
"I want to express gratitude to the Lt. Governor and the Iowa delegation for coming to Japan,” said Toshihiro Hirasawa, Acting Chairman of the Japan Oil & Fat Importers and Exporters Association. “I thank her for the detailed explanation of the soybean supply situation. It was a very informative seminar and we look forward to a continuous supply of the grains from Iowa for the Japanese market."
Iowa industry leaders from the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Iowa Beef Industry Council, the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the Iowa Pork Producers Association, the Iowa Soybean Association, the Seed Company of Lynnville, CK International of Waukee, Hawkeye Gold LLC of Ames, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa State University faculty joined Lt. Governor Judge on the trip.
Paul Spencer, Senior Ag Attaché, US Embassy said, "We are glad the Iowa group is here. US agricultural exports were $11.4 billion in 2007 and Iowa is one of the top agriculture exporting states. The USA - Japan relationship is strong, and each visit by state officials helps to strengthen this relationship even more."
ABOUT JAPAN'S ROLE AS A PURCHASER OF IOWA EXPORTS
- Japan is the third largest purchaser of Iowa exports overall
- In 2006, Iowa exported more than $656 million in value-added and manufactured goods to Japan
- Japan is the number one export market for Iowa corn
- Japan is the number one export market for Iowa pork
- Japan is the number three export market for Iowa soybeans
- Japan is the third largest export market for Iowa manufactured and value-added goods, such as meat, medical instruments and pharmaceutical products