US Wheat Crop Tour by US Wheat Associates
“The trust between USW and the Japanese industry allows for open dialogue between the two countries, to foster a mutually beneficial, long-term trading relationship”
72 | Milling and Grain
Annual US Wheat Crop Tour Strengthens Relationships with Japanese Executive Millers
Building mutual trust and long-term business relationships takes time and commitment. As a part of its market development activities, one important activity US Wheat Associates (USW) employs to create stronger partnerships with overseas customers is to invite them to have a first-hand look at the US wheat crop. That is what a team of six-flour milling executives from Japan’s leading milling companies will do during travel to the Pacific Northwest April 30 to May 8, 2015. “Japan imports large amounts of US wheat so it is important for the Japanese flour milling industry to regularly exchange views and information with US wheat organisations and businesses,” said Mr Masaaki Kadota, executive director of Japan’s Flour Millers Association. “We really appreciate your efforts to support our needs as your customers.” USW collaborated with the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, Oregon Wheat Commission and Washington Grain Commission to organise and host this trade team. The Oregon Wheat Growers League (OWGL) established the first overseas US wheat export office in Tokyo in 1956 and in that same year, the first Japanese millers team visited the United States to learn about its markets. After it was established, USW continued the tradition and for well over a decade, this particular activity has become an annual trip for Japanese executive millers. According to Kadota - who has accompanied this team for many years - there is always something new to learn and discuss. “There is nothing better than strengthening the mutual trust I have with those whom I meet each year,” said Kadota. The team will make stops in Oregon, Washington and Montana. During meetings with wheat farmers, grain industry representatives and university researchers, the team will discuss the US wheat supply and demand picture, including potential quality, availability and price. The team will also discuss current views on competitive markets, dietary trends and the role innovations in wheat breeding will have in balancing future world food supply demands with the need for less impact on the environment. “This exchange of dialogue and information is essential to US trade with Japan,” said USW West Coast Office Assistant Director Shawn Campbell. “When questions and concerns arise, we rely on the trust built during these activities to guide us toward decisions that have a positive impact for both US wheat farmers and the Japanese milling industry.” USW is the industry’s market development organisation working in more than 100 countries. Its mission is to “develop, maintain, and expand international markets to enhance the profitability of US wheat producers and their customers.” USW activities are made possible through producer checkoff dollars managed by 19 state wheat commissions and cost-share funding provided by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. USW maintains 17 offices strategically located around the world to help wheat buyers, millers, bakers, wheat