Looking ahead to 2026, Minnesota Soybean is seeking to grow demand within one of the largest markets for U.S. soybeans, the European Union. In his first international trade mission as president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA), Darin Johnson will join Gov. Tim Walz, Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen and commodity group leaders on a tour of Switzerland and Germany Nov. 15-21, 2025.  

“I’m excited to explore and learn more about agriculture in Europe,” said Johnson, who farms in Wells. “It’s also a great opportunity to promote and talk about Minnesota agriculture and how we raise quality, sustainable crops.”  

The delegation will travel to major business centers in Zürich, Düsseldorf and Berlin. The mission will focus on growing the state’s exports of goods and services, showcasing Minnesota as a top destination for business investment, developing new partnership opportunities and strengthening existing trade and diplomatic ties. 

“As some of the largest and most innovative economies in the world, Germany and Switzerland both offer excellent opportunities for Minnesota businesses to expand their exports,” Gov. Walz said. “I look forward to strengthening our relationships in technology, agriculture and education.” 

Governor Walz will lead a delegation of representatives from businesses and organizations within Minnesota’s medical technology, cleantech, food and agriculture and higher education sectors. 

“Germany and Switzerland value high-quality agricultural products and we see great opportunity for Minnesota’s farmers in these markets,” Commissioner Petersen said. “We look forward to highlighting our thriving food and ag sectors, fostering relationships with the Germans and Swiss and expanding markets throughout the European Union.” 

Johnson said the trip also provides MSGA the chance to visit with the governor and his administration to discuss policy priorities going into the 2026 legislative session. 

“By joining this tour, we can engage with the governor and MDA in a different setting,” Johnson said. “We’ve visited with him on our turf, we’ve of course had meetings with him at the Capitol, so it’ll be unique to get to know Gov. Walz and Commissioner Petersen while we’re all on the international stage.”  

In 2024, Germany was Minnesota’s eighth largest export market for goods, valued at $649 million. Germany is the world’s third largest economy after the United States and China, and the largest economy in Europe. The volume of trade, number of consumers and Germany’s geographic location at the center of the European Union make it a cornerstone around which many U.S. firms seek to build their European and worldwide expansion strategies. The German market continues to be attractive in numerous U.S. export sectors, including agriculture. It is also the fifth-largest whole soybean market for U.S. Soy, with imports valued at over $1 billion annually.  

Stops in Germany will include meetings at a Cargill facility, the German Farmers Association and Germany’ Ministry of Agriculture and its Council on Foreign Affairs.  

“There are a lot of opportunities for growth in not just Germany, but the entire EU,” Johnson said.   

Switzerland is Minnesota’s 22nd largest export destination with exports valued at $232 million in 2024. The Swiss market is sophisticated, highly automated, quality-conscious and competitive with a world-class infrastructure and a business-friendly legal and regulatory environment. 

Switzerland serves as an excellent test market for a range of goods and services and is strategically placed as a gateway to European markets. Switzerland is one of the world’s top countries for research and development, with further potential for partnerships in areas including renewable energy. The agriculture delegation will also visit Syngenta and Bühler’s headquarters.   

In total, the European Union is a key regional market for the U.S. soybean industry in both whole soybeans and soymeal exports, representing over 10% of U.S. soybean exports.  

 “I’m excited to have conversations with European leaders while promoting Minnesota soybeans,” Johnson said.