US-based Montague Farms has entered into an agreement with Tokyo-based Sun-Tommy International to supply food-grade soybeans.
Sun-Tommy will distribute the specialty soybeans to food processors in Japan. The soybeans will be used to manufacture natto, a fermented breakfast food that is considered a traditional delicacy in Japan.
Commenting on the new export agreement, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell said that new trade deals like this will help the state build on its solid trade relationship with Japan and the all-time record $2.6bn in agricultural exports from Virginia achieved in 2012.
"I congratulate Montague on this new sales agreement, which will have a positive impact on the company's operations and employees on the Middle Peninsula and in southeastern Virginia," McDonnell added.
Montague Farms based in Center Cross, Virginia is a family-owned producer and exporter of specialty soybeans. The company contracts with other farmers for more than 15,000 acres of production of field crop annually.
Montague Farms owns and operates two grain storage and conditioning facilities in Virginia, one in Center Cross and another in Windsor. Growers in Montague's farm network cultivate soybean, corn, wheat, and other grain crops.
Sun-Tommy International, established in 1995, is a trading firm involved in agricultural products from North America, China, Thailand and Australia. It provides soybeans to Japanese manufacturers who manufacturer various soy-based food products, including natto, tofu, and soy beverages.
