Indiana Ag Trade Mission Underway

Indiana Ag Trade Mission Underway

Top state officials, along with a delegation of Hoosier Agribusiness leaders, are in Japan at the beginning of a two week trade mission. For Lt Governor Sue Ellspermann, this is her first opportunity to lead to lead an Indiana agricultural trade mission, “This is my first delegation to lead and I could not be more pleased than to take a team of 24 to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.”  Elsperman added, “The agricultural trade mission will help us build on the strong trade relations that Indiana already has with these Asian countries and allow us to enhance our global leadership in agriculture.”

Along with ISDA director Ted McKinney and the delegation of agribusiness and farm group representatives, the mission is designed to build relationships and sign a few trade deals. The highlight of the trip of participation in an international food show in Taiwan, “The Taipei Food Show in the centerpiece of the mission where Indiana will have an opportunity to showcase our agricultural products.” Indiana popcorn and duck products will be among those featured at this international food trade show. She noted, “The trade mission will enable Hoosier agricultural businesses to explore new markets and expand their current trade activities with these key Asian customers as well as encourage additional investments in Indiana.”

The Lt. Governor will also be meeting with top Japanese and South Korean officials and will raise some of sensitive trade issues that exist on agricultural exports and biotechnology, “We will make sure we are doing everything we can to build strong relationships and understanding between our governments.”  In addition, she told HAT the delegation members will also strengthen relationships with key government and industry officials.

Hoosier Ag Today will provide continues coverage of the trade mission both HAT radio stations on on-line. Coverage is being made possible by Farm Credit Services of Mid-America.