The 17th annual Japan Partnership Team consisting of 11 members of soybean crushers and importers from Japan Oilseed Processors Association (JOPA) and Japan Oil & Fat Importers & Exporters Association (JOFIEA) visited the U.S. from August 26-31.  This delegation was escorted by USSEC North Asia Regional Director Paul Burke, Japan Country Director Mitsuyuki Nishimura and Japan Consultant Katsufumi Maekawa.

A roundtable meeting with grower leaders held in Columbus, Ohio was the highlight of team activities.  The U.S. side included leaders from the United Soybean Board (USB), the American Soybean Association (ASA), the Ohio Qualified State Soybean Board (QSSB), Michigan QSSB and USSEC staff including Jim Stillman, Chairman, USB, and Bob Henry, Vice President, ASA.  Current issues, concerns and interests were discussed at the meeting.  In particular, the future of high oleic soybeans (HOSB) and reasons for American focus in this area were examined.  The Japanese team had the opportunity to visit HOSB growing fields in Michigan and Ohio, and understood the rapid increase of HOSB planting in the U.S. in the future.