DELAWARE, Ohio— Ohio Corn Checkoff board member Nate Bair recently returned from a U.S. Grains Council (USGC) trade mission to Taiwan and South Korea. Bair, a corn grower from Wyandot County, Ohio, participated in the international assignment as part of the USGC’s U.S. Corn Quality Harvest Report to promote the quality, sustainability, and reliability of U.S. corn in the global market.
Highlights of the mission included Bair and the USGC delegation meeting with officials from the Taiwanese Ministry of Agriculture, as well as representatives from feed associations, food processing, and the port authority in South Korea. The mission also involved discussions with buyers and trade partners from both countries. It aimed to showcase U.S. farmers’ use of technology and sustainable practices, along with the superior quality of U.S.-grown corn. Buyers from both countries expressed strong satisfaction with U.S. corn, reinforcing the importance of personal engagement and mutual understanding in international trade.
“Being a part of the trade mission to Taiwan and South Korea was an eye-opening experience,” commented Bair. “Meeting face-to-face with government officials and buyers provided the opportunity to build trust and amplify the message that corn grown in the United States is the best in the world.”
It is estimated that exports account for 33% of U.S. corn farmers’ income, making missions to places like Taiwan, South Korea, and similar regions crucial for opening doors to new markets. The Ohio Corn Checkoff believes that investments in trade missions are strategic and essential for securing long-term markets and fostering ongoing relationships. These efforts not only support global sales but also ensure the future of local farming communities.
The Ohio Corn Checkoff is maximizing efforts in many ways to educate and promote the quality of Ohio-grown corn across our state, nation, and world. There is always more to discover about the investments being made on behalf of growers at www.ohiocornandwheat.org.
