Gov. Gianforte & Director Streit Promote Montana Wheat, Beef, and Emerging Industries in Japan
CONTACT:
Kaitlin Price, Office of the Governor
Gov. Gianforte Promotes Montana Wheat, Beef, and Emerging Industries in Japan
TOKYO, Japan – Continuing his trade mission, Governor Greg Gianforte was joined by Director Jillien Streit promoting Montana’s high-quality commodities and growing industries meeting with Japanese trade and industry leaders.
“Japan has long been a critical market for Montana products, and we continue to see strong opportunities for wheat, beef, and advanced industries,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Montana delivers high-quality products and innovation, and we are committed to strengthening these partnerships for years to come.”
Gov. Gianforte addressing members of the Japan External Trade Organization in Tokyo
Gov. Gianforte began the day meeting with the Japan Flour Millers Association, joined by leaders from Nisshin Flour Milling, Nippn Corporation, Showa Sangyo, Chiba Flour Milling, and other Japanese companies. The Japan Flour Millers Association is an organization established by flour milling companies with the goals of deepening the ties between the member companies and improving and developing the flour milling industry. According to the association, around 90 percent of wheat in Japan comes from abroad, grown in the United States, Canada, and Australia, with around 10 percent produced domestically.
During the meeting, the governor thanked the Japanese millers for their continued purchases of Montana wheat, noting that their support strengthens Montana farmers, rural communities, and the lasting friendship between Montana and Japan. Gov. Gianforte also recognized the work of Montana Agriculture Director Jill Streit and the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee, emphasizing the dedication of Montana farmers and ranchers who ensure high-quality wheat reaches global markets.
Director Streit addressing Japanese flour miller company representatives in Tokyo, Japan
“Montana has a product that fits your needs, and this has led to a consistent, loyal relationship that is deeply valued by our state and our producers,” Gov. Gianforte said.
Montana’s largest and most consistent export to Japan and Korea is hard wheat, totaling $38 million in sales last year. In Montana’s Golden Triangle region in northern Montana, more than two million acres of wheat are seeded annually producing wheat with superior end-use qualities attributable to hot summer days, cool nights, low humidity, and rich soils.
In the afternoon, Gov. Gianforte met with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Chairman and CEO Ishiguro Norihiko and executives to discuss Montana as a destination for business and investment. He referenced a recent visit by JETRO’s San Francisco team to Montana and highlighted the state’s leadership and interest in expanding the development of quantum technologies. Highlighting a recent investment, the governor notes Montana State University recently received a $26.7 million federal grant to advance quantum research and is one of only seven institutions worldwide with dual platforms for superconducting and photonic computer systems, and one of five with a quantum network testbed.
Gov. Gianforte also outlined opportunities for collaboration in photonics, quantum, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. He invited JETRO to lead a delegation to Montana, following a model recently established with Taiwan, and emphasized the state’s readiness to connect Japanese investors and businesses with Montana’s innovation ecosystem.
Montana’s rapidly growing quantum and photonics industries are a key focus of the future of the state’s partnership with Japan. During the meetings with executives, Gov. Gianforte noted that Montana companies are emerging as leaders in the global quantum supply chain, while universities like Montana State are training the workforce for high-tech fields. He emphasized that Montana is ready to partner with Japan to build the industries of tomorrow, from advanced manufacturing to clean energy and high-tech research.
Ending the day, the governor met with partners representing the beef industry to highlight Montana as one of the top ten beef-producing states in the U.S and the over $41 million in beef exports sent to Japan last year. Representatives from the U.S. Meat Export Federation, the Sojitz Corporation, Idaho-based Agri Beef, as well as members of the Montana Stock Growers, Montana Farm Bureau, and Montana Department of Agriculture were present for the reception.
Montana’s long-standing relationship with Japan began more than forty years ago through the state’s sister-state partnership with Kumamoto Prefecture, established by former U.S. Ambassador Mike Mansfield. Under Gov. Gianforte’s leadership, Montana continues to welcome international partnerships that expand economic opportunities for Montana producers and businesses, while showcasing Montana’s innovation and global competitiveness.
###
Office of the Governor
Tags: Trade Mission, Governor Greg Gianforte and Director Jillien Streit
