Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) issued the following statement on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources opening an office in Beijing, China. The office will promote student and faculty research in the areas of agriculture biosciences, food science and technology, engineering and water sciences, and food and natural resource security. Additionally, the partnership allows the State of Nebraska to assist Nebraska companies and individuals as they pursue agri-business opportunities in China.
"Today's announcement represents an exciting opportunity for Nebraska agriculture," Johanns said. "China is a growing market in the world economy, and this office will help Nebraska continue to explore new opportunities for research in agriculture, as well as open doors for Nebraska's agri-business community."
China is Nebraska's fourth largest trading partner and one of the state's fastest growing markets, having more than doubled during the past five years with a 36% increase in 2011 alone. Combined exports totaled more than $380 million last year, up from nearly $279 million in 2010.
Source: http://www.johanns.senate.gov/public/?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=9bd154d9-69ee-45bd-8c22-6a2c420fd1c5&ContentType_id=bc82adff-27b4-4832-8fd6-aecbe3e7d8e3
