US farm exports to soar in 2013

US Farm exports in fiscal year 2013 look to continue a trend of astonishing growth that began in 2009, according to the USDA. Since 2009, U.S. agricultural exports have climbed more than 50% percent in value, from $96.3 billion in 2009 to the most-recent forecast of $145 billion in 2013. Overall, these exports support more than one million American jobs.

Those figures were released as part of USDA’s second Outlook for US Agricultural Trade. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement on the forecast:

“Today’s forecast is further confirmation of the concerted effort by President Obama to expand export opportunities and level the playing field for American businesses and workers. Because USDA is working harder than ever to remove unfair barriers to trade and provide businesses with the resources they need to reach new markets, American agriculture is booming.

“Demand for products... is surging across the world, with notable gains in China, Europe, and Southeast Asia expected to support strong cash receipts through year.

“Since 2009, more than 1,000 U.S. companies and organizations—mainly small and medium-sized businesses—participated in 110 USDA-endorsed trade shows in 24 countries, racking up 12-month projected sales estimated at more than $4.2 billion.

“As our farmers and ranchers look forward to a new growing season, agriculture will continue to be a major contributor to the president’s goal of doubling exports under the National Export Initiative by the end of 2014.

“It is important that Congress help ensure that this success continues by passing a comprehensive, multi-year Food, Farm and Jobs Bill that provides greater certainty for farmers, ranchers and businesses, and their millions of customers around the world.”

Source: nationalhogfarmer.com