Boise, Idaho — Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke joined representatives of the Idaho wheat industry and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle in the State Capitol today to sign a letter of intent for the Taiwan Flour Mills Association (TFMA) to purchase U.S. wheat over the next three years, a deal valued at $1.2 billion.
“This $1.2 billion wheat deal underscores the strength of Idaho’s long-term relationship with Taiwan and the value of our state’s world-class agricultural products,” said Lt. Governor Scott Bedke. “Idaho wheat growers play a vital role in feeding the world, and today’s agreement highlights both the quality of our crops and the importance of international partnerships to our economy.”
Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt, TFMA Chairman Wei-Chang Chang, Director General Mei-Chen Lin of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle, and Idaho Wheat Commission Chairman Cory Kress joined Lt. Governor Bedke for the ceremony.
“This agreement is a major win for Idaho agriculture and a testament to the strong partnerships we share with Taiwan,” said ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt. “Taiwan has long been one of Idaho’s most important and reliable trade partners, and their continued trust in the quality of our wheat is a point of pride for our growers and our state.”
“Idaho produces high-quality wheat that consistently meets the needs of our customers, and we deeply value the long-standing relationship we have with Taiwan milling and baking industry,” said Cory Kress, Idaho Wheat Commission Chairman. “This letter of intent represents the strength and trust in our partnership, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration well into the future.”
The U.S. wheat industry has had an excellent working relationship with Taiwan for more than 40 years. TFMA imports wheat on behalf of all 20 Taiwanese flour mills. Taiwan is the sixth largest market for U.S. wheat, and imported nearly $3.7 billion of U.S. farm products in 2024.
About Scott Bedke
Scott Bedke is Idaho’s 44th Lieutenant Governor and previously served 11 terms in the State House, including a decade as Speaker.
