Director Returns from Agricultural Trade Mission to Vietnam and Japan, Strengthening Global Relationships for Ohio Farmers

Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge has returned from a nine-day agricultural trade mission to Vietnam and Japan, focused on strengthening international relationships and expanding market opportunities for Ohio farmers.

Director Baldridge traveled with representatives from the Ohio Soybean Council, continuing a coordinated effort to position Ohio agriculture for long-term success in the global marketplace.

In Vietnam, the delegation engaged with one of the fastest-growing markets for animal feed, where demand for high-protein soybean meal continues to rise. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Ohio Soybean Council, recognizing the growing importance of agricultural trade cooperation, sustainable supply chains, and food security. This MOU fosters greater cooperation to strengthen trade relations and promote mutual agricultural development.

"Trade missions are an important economic tool," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "Our goal is to build relationships, protect existing markets, and identify new opportunities for growth that benefit our hardworking farmers. Every sale creates demand across the supply chain-from transportation to processing-supporting jobs and strengthening communities across Ohio."

Ohio's strength in containerized shipping, ranking second in the nation, positions the state to meet the needs of growing markets like Vietnam where efficiency and flexibility are key. The visit to Vietnam also built on a 2025 MOU between the Ohio Soybean Council and Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, which outlines a shared commitment to expanding trade relationships and supporting continued collaboration between soybean buyers and exporters.

"It was an honor to sign this Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of all Ohio soybean farmers" said OSC Chairman and Auglaize County farmer Jerry Bambauer. "The connections we built during this promotion mission will benefit Ohio agriculture for years to come."

The visit to Japan focused on strengthening ties with one of the world's leading consumers of soybeans used for food. Japan is the largest importer of non-GMO soybeans for food use and Ohio non-GMO acreage continues to increase, due in part to sustainable methods such as H2Ohio nutrient-management practices. The mission also served as a reciprocal exchange following a 2024 visit by Japanese food manufacturers and buyers to Ohio, hosted by the Ohio Soybean Council.

Ohio ranks seventh nationally in soybean production, producing about 258 million bushels in 2025. Approximately one-third of all soybeans produced in Ohio are exported to international markets, making it the state's top agricultural export. Japan and Vietnam were priority markets for this mission based on strong existing relationships and demand for high-quality U.S. soybeans.

About ODA:

Food & agriculture is a $124 billion industry in Ohio, employing one in eight Ohioans and spanning more than 74,000 farms across 13 million acres. ODA has continued to focus on international trade since 2024 after reinstating the Trade and Export Division. Continued investment in international relationships helps ensure Ohio agriculture remains strong in the future.

Pictures are listed below. See Ohio soybean facts from the Ohio Soybean Council here.