Nebraska Wheat Board VP Travels to Asia for Trade Mission

Nebraska Wheat Board Vice Chairwoman Mary Eisenzimmer recently returned from an Asia-wide trade mission aimed at strengthening relationships with key international customers and creating new opportunities for Nebraska's agriculture industry. The mission, which took place from July 26-30, saw Eisenzimmer travel to Japan and the Philippines alongside Governor Jim Pillen and representatives from other Nebraska agricultural organizations.

In Japan, Eisenzimmer toured Kinki Flour Milling Company in Osaka and met with Rick Nakano of the U.S. Wheat Associates Tokyo office to discuss opportunities to expand Nebraska wheat exports to Japan while strengthening existing trade relationships. She noted that Japan is the third-largest importer of U.S. wheat, and it's essential for them to import several different classes of wheat.

The delegation then traveled to the Philippines, where they met with executives at Gardenia Bakeries, the country's largest bread manufacturer, and connected with grain buyers from San Miguel Corporation, one of the country's largest food distributors. Eisenzimmer also toured the U.S. Embassy and met with newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton and members of his cabinet to discuss the country's economy and future trade opportunities.

The Philippines is the second-largest export market for U.S. wheat, purchasing an average of $783 million in American wheat each year. Eisenzimmer emphasized that face-to-face engagement with international customers is crucial in building stronger relationships and expanding Nebraska's agricultural exports.