9/17/13 - Following a visit to a local farm, officials have signed an agreement aimed at expanding exports of corn and soybean produced in Michigan to Taiwan. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on Monday hosted the Agriculture Trade Goodwill Mission from Taiwan in Lansing. That followed a tour of the Van Gilder Farm in Howell Township, which was facilitated by State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township. Hune chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee. The delegation's visit was part of an effort to learn more about Michigan soybean and corn production. Officials say the agreement signed during the visit involves the Michigan Corn Marketing Program and the Taiwan Feed Industry Association, as well as the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee and the Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers Association. The agreement comes as Michigan works to boost agriculture exports and encourage job-creation in the food industry. The Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers Association anticipates the purchase of nearly $1.68 billion of U.S. soybeans in 2014 and 2015. (JK)
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