California ag trade mission highlights cooperation with Japan

Panelists in the climate discussion included, from left, Nicole Van Vleck of the California Rice Commission, Shori Yamamato of NARO, Karen Ross, Satoru Harada of Yamanashi Prefecture and Glenda Humiston. Photo courtesy of CDFA

To underscore the importance of Japan to California agriculture, a group of agricultural leaders joined Karen Ross, California Department of Food and Agriculture secretary, on a trade mission in March. Vice President Glenda Humiston participated in a series of meetings and events in Japan, which is our state's fourth-largest agricultural export market, valued at over $1.6 billion. 

While speaking on a panel during the California-Japan Climate Summit, Humiston highlighted UC ANR's pioneering work in extending science-based solutions to help growers and ranchers thrive and adapt to climate change. 

At the California Pavilion of the World Smart Energy Week show in Tokyo, the group saw some of the agricultural technology innovations on display  – technologies that will be vital in addressing the climate crisis and other challenges.

Glenda Humiston was surprised and delighted to see UC ANR's logo several places during the visit to Japan.

The group met with Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. At the meeting, Ross recognized Japan's strong trade partnership and collaboration on market access for agricultural products, as well as organic certification. They also discussed California's Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap.

The California-Japan Climate Summit highlighted climate opportunities related to renewable energy, hydrogen, port infrastructure and agriculture. The delegation visited AgVenture Lab and Tongali, two accelerator programs developing proof of concepts for agricultural startups.

“When we got to the AgVenture Lab in Tokyo as part of our California Grown Trade Mission, I was surprised to see our logo on the PowerPoint our host used,” Humiston said. “He went on to say several times how important their partnership with UC ANR was. It definitely made my day!”

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