News

On May 19, 2020, the Philippines formally granted market access to U.S. bovine embryos, leveling the playing field for U.S. exporters vis-à-vis the competition in Australia and Canada. Post-estimate sales of U.S. bovine embryos could reach $400,000 in the next 12 months, with more potential over the following 2–3 years due to new Philippine government initiatives to develop beef and dairy sectors.

USDA’S Foreign Agricultural Service is postponing its June trade mission to Spain and Portugal. The U.S. Department of State is advising all U.S. citizens to avoid international travel because of the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with that advisory and in consideration of the health and safety of all participants, the trade mission will be rescheduled to a later date.

Due to the global coronavirus situation, USDA’S Foreign Agricultural Service  is postponing its scheduled April 20-23 trade mission to the Philippines. USDA hopes to reschedule the mission for later in 2020.

Given ongoing concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), USDA has postponed the North Africa Agribusiness Trade Mission scheduled for March 16-19 in Casablanca. The virus was detected in Morocco earlier this week and, in an attempt to prevent its spread, the Moroccan government has banned most public events, including conferences that include international participants. USDA's intention is to reschedule the trade mission for later in 2020.

A travel advisory has been issued not to travel to China because of a novel coronavirus. Chinese authorities have suspended air, road, and rail travel in the area around Wuhan and placed restrictions on travel and other activities throughout the country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning for all of China.

USDA will be sponsoring 7 agribusiness trade missions in 2020 to grow and diversify export opportunities around the world for America’s farmers and ranchers. Scheduled 2020 trade missions include North Africa (March), Philippines (April), Spain/Portugal (June), United Kingdom (September), Australia/New Zealand (October), Peru (November), and United Arab Emirates (November). USLGE members can view trade mission dates, deadlines, and descriptions through the calendar in the member portal.

Stakeholders can sign up to receive automatic notifications through the APHIS Stakeholder Registry. These notifications will alert subscribers that an update has been made to the export requirements for either live animals or animal products. The message will include a link that will take subscribers to the APHIS website to learn more about the specific change and the country it applies to.

USLGE  is 1 of 45 organizations that are participating in a USDA Foreign Agricultural Service trade mission to Vietnam and is being represented by USLGE consultant Dr. Joseph Dalton (Professor, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Idaho).

The delegation included Martin Sieber (President/CEO, USLGE) and Asmat Raza (Senior Agricultural Specialist, U.S. Embassy) and was led by Casey Bean (Agricultural Counselor, U.S. Embassy, Islamabad).

USLGE  is 1 of 54 organizations that are participating in a USDA Foreign Agricultural Service trade mission to Colombia and will be represented by USLGE consultant Scott Jensen (Extension Educator, University of Idaho) and USLGE board member Billy Smith (Executive Director, American Paint Horse Association).