The State of Kansas, Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary, David Toland, are celebrating a milestone in Kansas AG. The first shipment of Kansas soybeans to China. The recent shipment was for 500 metric tons of soybeans, the first such direct containerized grain shipment to China ever from the State of Kansas.
It was shipped to Henan, China as a result of a 40 year Sister-State relationship between Kansas and the Chinese Province. Former Governor, John Carlin and the former Leader of Henan signed an agreement establishing the relationship, to facilitate diplomacy and foster a strong business connection, back in 1989. Henan was originally chosen as a Sister-State for Kansas due to their agricultural role in China and their geographic location in the middle of the country. This year, both sides began negotiations for the export of Kansas products to Henan. As a result, the Delong Company, based in Edgerton, made the agreement. Toland says he hopes there are many more deals to follow.
