Why We Trade

Minnesota’s soil and climate allow us to grow crops like corn and soybeans. Some countries buy these Minnesota crops to make tofu and tortillas. Farmers in other countries buy Minnesota crops to feed their cattle, pigs, and chickens. Some crops, like bananas and chocolate, do not grow in Minnesota. These crops need warmer temperatures. We buy these crops from other countries. We are all better off because everyone gets the food they want. The farmers earn money for their work. Everybody wins!

Activity: Minnesota trades soybeans and corn for foods that do not grow here. On the map below, find your favorite foods that are NOT grown in Minnesota. These are things we trade to have.