Minn.'s Dayton Showcases Trade Pact With Taiwan

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Taiwanese agriculture delegation on a visit to Minnesota has formalized a letter of intent to purchase $3.5 billion in U.S.-grown soybeans and corn over the next two years.

It's not clear what share of that Minnesota farmers will fulfill.

Gov. Mark Dayton hosted the officials at the Capitol on Friday morning.

Taiwan is an east Asian nation of about 23 million people. Minnesota has entered into export deals with Taiwan in the past, but say the new letter will deepen the state's tie to its sixth-largest export market.

Earlier this year, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson led a state delegation to Taiwan to promote the state's agriculture offerings. It included leaders from Minnesota's corn and soybean growers associations.

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