(Taipei, Taiwan) Governor Dave Heineman and members of the Nebraska trade delegation to Asia signed agreements with Taiwanese grain and soybean trade officials for approximately $400 million of Nebraska agriculture products. The letter of intent includes purchases of Nebraska corn, soybeans and wheat with an estimated value between $375 million to $462 million over the next two years.  

“The Taiwan trip has been very productive for Nebraska’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors,” Governor Heineman said. “These agreements are representative of our ongoing positive trade relationship with Taiwan.”

The Governor signed a letter of intent with Taiwanese officials for the purchase of Nebraska corn, valued at $150 million to $200 million; Nebraska soybeans valued at $105 million to $112 million; and Nebraska wheat valued at $120 million to $150 million.

The letter of intent was signed by Jon Holzfaster of Paxton, chair of the Nebraska Corn Board, Gregg Fujan of Weston, chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board, Patricia Nelson of Minden, board member of the Nebraska Wheat Board, and witnessed by Governor Heineman.

In addition to the agreements signed, Wei Mon Company will extend its commitment to purchase corn-based plastic resin from Nature Works Technologies’ Blair plant through 2008. This ethanol byproduct is valued at over $8 million.

Swift & Co. officials signed an agreement with Thomas King Meat. Co., Ltd. for the purchase of approximately $1.5 million of Nebraska beef. This purchase is the result of an agreement witnessed by Governor Heineman in June when Thomas King Meat company officials came to Nebraska as part of the Taiwan Agricultural Goodwill Mission.

Nebraska Agriculture Director Greg Ibach said he was pleased that several contracts were secured. He said Department of Agriculture officials would continue to facilitate discussions between Nebraska and Taiwanese companies for future trade agreements.

“The Taiwanese have shown us, through signed agreements, that Nebraska has the products they are looking for. We will continue to share information and encourage additional transactions,” Ibach said.

Trade team delegate Keith Olsen of Grant, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, said the discussions with Taiwanese government officials and Nebraska companies reinforce the fact that Nebraska producers are raising commodities for a world market.

Olsen said, “They know we are the best at what we do.Our production practices and quality are respected.”

Taiwan ranks as the sixth largest export market for U.S. agricultural products.

The Governor today concluded his trade mission to China, Hong Kong, Macao, Japan and Taiwan.

(Editor's Note: pictures from the signing ceremony are available on the Governor’s Web site, http://www.gov.state.ne.us)

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