A major international agreement with big implications for Ohio agriculture – Vietnamese leaders visited Columbus this week to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Ohio farm groups. The deal is part of a larger $2 billion commitment to purchase U.S. ag products like soybeans, corn, distiller’s grains, and more.

Brianna Smith of Ohio’s Country Journal has the full story in this video, including comments from H.E. Do Duc Duy, Vietnam’s Minister of Agriculture and Environment, as well as Ohio farm leaders Bill Bayliss, Patty Mann, and Owen Niese

A delegation from the Vietnamese government and business community, led by Minister of Agriculture and Environment H.E. Do Duc Duy, visited Ohio on June 4 to sign a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with U.S. agricultural leaders. The Columbus stop is part of a multi-state mission that began in Iowa on Monday, June 2, 2025. In total, the Vietnamese delegation is expected to enter into agreements to purchase more than $2 billion in U.S. agricultural products, including corn, soybeans, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGs), wheat, meat, and timber.

Ohio Soybean Council Chairman Bill Bayliss signed the MOU on behalf of the Ohio Soybean Council. Vietnam is the 13th-largest consumer of U.S. soy, importing 1.44 million metric tons last year. There is growth potential in the country to supply its growing pork and aquaculture sectors with feed. Vietnam’s growing middle class has contributed to an increase in demand for soy foods – a demand that can be met by Ohio’s high-quality food grade soybean production.

“We are excited about the potential for this MOU to create more export demand for Ohio soybeans,” said Bayliss. “This agreement comes at a crucial time as farmers look to expand market opportunities.”

Ohio’s agricultural strength, infrastructure, and innovation made the state a key stop on the Vietnamese delegation’s tour, which will continue in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. The group also visited an Ohio farm and The Ohio State University during their stop.

“Food and agriculture are Ohio’s number one industry, and we depend on our farmers to fuel our economy and support the global food supply,” said Brian Baldridge, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. “We’re proud to work alongside our agricultural partners to strengthen international connections and create new opportunities for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities.”

“These agreements represent a major win for Ohio corn farmers,” said Patty Mann, Chair of the Ohio Corn Checkoff. “Vietnam continues to be a growing and reliable export market, and partnerships like this help ensure we can keep delivering high-quality, Ohio-grown products to the world.”

The timing of these new agreements is significant for Ohio’s farm economy, as producers face rising costs, lower commodity prices, and an urgent need to access new markets for soybeans, grains, meat, timber, and other agricultural products. 

Owen Niese, Chair of the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff, noted, “These agreements generate momentum not only for farmers but also for rural economies statewide. We’re pleased to have Ohio wheat and small grains featured in this new trade venture with Vietnam.”

Minister Duy concluded, “Ohio exemplifies the best of American agriculture due to its productive, innovative, and globally engaged agricultural community. With these MOU agreements, we are strengthening our commitment to a robust and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States.”

Original Article