Montana Strengthens Partnerships with Japan for Growth

Oct 24, 2025
By Farms.com

Governor Gianforte promotes Montana trade in tech energy and agriculture

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, alongside Director Streit, met with Japanese business and government leaders in Tokyo to strengthen Montana’s partnerships in technology, energy, and agriculture. The visit highlighted the state’s strong business climate and focus on innovation.

“Montana and Japan share a long history of partnership rooted in respect, innovation, and opportunity,” said Governor Gianforte. “We’re building on that foundation by expanding our collaboration in technology, energy, and agriculture to create more good-paying jobs and investment in Montana and Japanese communities.”

During meetings with Keidanren, Japan’s largest business federation, the governor highlighted Montana’s pro-business environment and growing innovation economy. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in advanced manufacturing, bioscience, and photonics. Representatives from the Montana Department of Commerce, Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance, and the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center joined the discussions.

Montana ranks sixth nationally in bioscience industry growth and fifth for academic R&D expenditure growth. The photonics industry globally contributes more than $16 trillion to GDP. Montana has one of the highest per capita concentrations of optics, photonics, and quantum technology companies in the U.S., with decades-long business ties with Japan and Korea.

Governor Gianforte also met with energy partners including JERA Co., Joban Railway Line, and Mitsubishi RtM Japan, reaffirming Montana’s role as a reliable supplier of clean, abundant energy. Montana holds the largest recoverable coal reserves in the U.S., exporting around half of its 26 million metric tons annually to Asian markets.

The governor recognized Nippn Foods for its long-term investment in Montana wheat and presented a plaque of appreciation to President and CEO Toshiya Maezuru. Meetings with Vice Minister Takehiko Matsuo and METI explored collaboration in photonics, quantum technology, and advanced manufacturing.

The day concluded with a Montana Appreciation Reception celebrating over 100 guests and key contributors to Montana’s agricultural, educational, and technology sectors. These engagements continue to strengthen Montana-Japan partnerships, promoting trade, innovation, and economic growth for both regions.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.