Japan External Trade Organization Director of Agriculture Junichiro Yamakuchi (third from the left) visited NCGA’s St. Louis office on Tuesday to learn more about biotechnology, ethanol and U.S. corn supply. Also attending the meeting, from left to right: NCGA Director of Biotechnology Paul Bertels; NCGA Director of Production, Stewardship and Livestock Max Starbuck; NCGA Director of Research and Business Development Nathan Fields; Honorary Consul General of Japan Bruce Buckland; Vice President of Research and Business Development Dr. Richard Glass; and Director of Commercial Development Geoff Cooper.

NCGA Meets with JETRO Director of Agriculture (1-31-06)

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Director of Agriculture Junichiro Yamakuchi visited National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) in St. Louis today to learn about biotechnology, ethanol and corn supply.

Yamakuchi and JETRO provide information and support to American businesses working in or entering the Japanese market and encourage commerce between the United States and Japan. Yamakuchi reports to the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

NCGA’s Research and Business Development department hosted Yamakuchi and Bruce S. Buckland, honorary consul general of Japan. Yamakuchi and Buckland have been traveling around the United States the past two weeks to learn more about agricultural trade.

“We were happy to host Mr. Yamakuchi and discuss the exciting opportunities for the corn industry in Japan,” said Paul Bertels, NCGA director of biotechnology. “U.S. corn growers have a long and healthy business relationship with Japan, and we look forward to growing that relationship.”

Yamakuchi was interested in learning about U.S. and NCGA biotechnology advances, the U.S. ethanol industry, dried distillers grains with solubles and issues affecting trade. Japan is the United States’ largest importer of corn, with more than 591 million bushels of corn shipped to Japan in the 2004-2005 marketing year.

“This meeting was particularly helpful to NCGA because it gives us an opportunity to talk directly with one of our most important customers. We can hear their concerns and reassure them corn growers throughout the nation are dedicated to providing them a safe and reliable product.” Bertels said.