U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council The regulatory delegation visited the Council's headquarters in Washington, D.C. to discuss current and future dynamics of U.S. corn production and exports.
The visits included meetings with government officials, biotechnology seed companies, industry organizations, corn farmers and export companies. One group of Japanese government advisors was led by USGBC Director in Japan Tommy Hamamoto, while a second delegation of regulators was led by Deputy Director Chris Markey.
“Japanese regulators of biotech corn have a desire and responsibility to stay current about how their regulatory approvals and regulations intersect with the U.S. corn production, distribution and export system,” Hamamoto said.
Hamamoto’s team started in Illinois at BASF’s Midwest Research Farm, touring breeding fields and learning about drone pesticide applications. The regulatory delegation visited the Council’s Washington, D.C. headquarters to discuss current and future trends in U.S. corn production and exports.
Both groups then spent two days with Bayer at test farms in Indiana and labs in Missouri, examining research and development operations. National Corn Growers Association Chairman Kenneth Hartman welcomed the delegations to his farm to discuss farming practices, and Cargill hosted a visit to its grain elevator in East St. Louis.
Markey’s group continued to Washington, D.C., where USDA, FDA and EPA staff explained oversight protocols for food safety during production and export. A roundtable meeting with CropLife, the American Seed Trade Association and other agribusinesses concluded the tour.
“Japan is mature market that has been a trusted, reliable export partner for U.S. agricultural producers for years,” Markey said. “The Council will continue to closely monitor what importers, end-users and policymakers are evaluating in regard to corn imports.”
The visits aimed to maintain Japan’s confidence in U.S. corn for feed, food and bioenergy needs.
