US AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS HIT NEW RECORD

In the US, agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack has released a statement after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its final tally for agricultural exports in fiscal year 2011.

The figures showed that it had been a strong year for the sector, with exports climbing to record levels, and showed no sign of letting up, Vilsack noted.

"Thanks to the productivity of America’s farmers, ranchers and producers, the American brand of agriculture is surging in popularity worldwide," he explained. "Farm exports in fiscal year 2011 reached a record high of $137.4bn – exceeding past highs by $22.5bn – and supported 1.15m jobs here at home.

"Furthermore, agriculture continues to bolster our nation’s economy by contributing a trade surplus year after year," Vilsack continued. "This year, that surplus hit $42.7bn, a record. And next year looks equally strong for the U.S. agricultural economy, thanks in part to President Obama signing new trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, which will add an additional $2.3bn to our export total and support nearly 20,000 American jobs."

Vilsack noted that agriculture continued to be a "bright spot" in the country's economy and a driving force behind export growth, job creation, and competitiveness, underscored by an increasing demand for US food and agriculture around the world.

For the first full fiscal year, China was the lead export market for farm products, with Vilsack pointing out that the Asia-Pacific region recognized the US as a reliable supplier of the highest-quality food and agricultural products – a message he wanted to take to Vietnam and China in his upcoming trade visit.
"Strong export performance means higher incomes for farmers and ranchers, more opportunities for small businesses owners, and jobs for folks who package, ship, and market agricultural products," Vilsack added. "So, thank you to all of America’s farmers, ranchers and producers who continue to make US agriculture a bright spot in our nation’s economy."
Source: Fruitnet