USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Associate Administrator Clay Hamilton arrived today in Madrid to launch a USDA agribusiness trade mission to Spain. More than 70 participants [including USLGE], representing various sectors of U.S. food and agriculture, including businesses, trade associations, and state government, join this trade mission to explore export opportunities for U.S. agricultural products to Spain.

Trade mission participants will have an opportunity to connect with potential customers and learn the mechanics of exporting to Spain. In addition, importers from the neighboring Portugal have also been invited to participate, allowing the U.S. exporters to learn about opportunities in that country as well.

Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (News Release, Nov. 28, 2022)

USDA Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh led an ambitious and successful trade mission to Nairobi, Kenya, and Zanzibar, Tanzania, October 31 to November 4. During the course of 5 days, Bronaugh and a delegation of leaders from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), 25 U.S. agribusinesses and farm organizations [including USLGE], and 5 State Departments of Agriculture, traveled to 4 cities across 3 regions, conducted 127 business-to-business meetings between U.S. business representatives and foreign importers, met with 2 Presidents and several other dignitaries, and visited a flourishing USDA McGovern-Dole school feeding project.

The jam-packed trade mission succeeded in increasing awareness and boosting sales of high-quality U.S. food and agricultural products to sub-Saharan Africa and bolstering trade ties between the countries. Bronaugh and the delegation reiterated the need to embrace science-driven policies to help grow 2-way trade, increase economic opportunities, and improve food security though agricultural biotech. U.S. companies initially project $4.15 million in expected 12-month sales from the mission.

Examining how innovative technologies can increase economic opportunities in the food and agricultural sectors and improve agricultural resilience in East Africa was a priority during the trade mission. Visits to prospering McGovern-Dole sites highlighted the impact new technologies can have for women and other underrepresented communities.

Trade missions are integral to FAS’s international marketing efforts, offering U.S. exporters a unique opportunity to build in-person relationships with potential buyers, learn first-hand about the market from industry and FAS trade experts, and ultimately generate sales for their businesses while helping feed the world.

Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (News Release, Nov. 28, 2022)