Pillen Leads Nebraska Trade Delegation to Japan and Philippines

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen led the state's trade delegation to Japan and the Philippines this week, promoting Nebraska beef, pork, wheat, and low-carbon energy production. The mission follows a busy 24 hours in Osaka, Japan where Gov. Pillen thanked Marudai, a key buyer of Nebraska beef and pork, for their loyalty.

On Monday morning, the trade team met with the Japanese office of the U.S. Meat Export Federation to discuss promotional strategies. Gov. Pillen and Nebraska Wheat Board Vice Chair Mary Eisenzimmer also toured Kinki Flour Milling Company to explore opportunities to grow Nebraska wheat exports to Japan.

The second leg of the trade mission took place in the Philippines, where Gov. Pillen met with U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton to gain insights on the Philippine economy. The delegation then promoted Nebraska wheat to leaders at Gardenia Bakery, the largest breadmaking company in the Philippines.

Nebraska's ethanol production was also highlighted during a promotion roundtable, with state leaders emphasizing the ability of Nebraska companies to help Filipino companies meet the country's E10 fuel mandate and move towards adoption of E20 fuel.