Nebraska ag department: Consider trade mission to South America

Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach is encouraging representatives of Nebraska agricultural companies to consider participating in an upcoming U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trade mission to Peru and Chile. The event is set for March 14-18, 2016, and those interested in participating must apply by Friday, Feb. 5.

The trade mission is being led by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

“U.S. exports to Peru and Chile have increased dramatically in the past decade and a half. This is a great opportunity for food and agriculture businesses in Nebraska to explore a growing marketplace,” said Ibach. “Increasing the state’s ag exports is part of Governor Ricketts’ initiative to grow Nebraska.”

USDA is screening participants for the trade mission, and those interested in attending must submit an application by Feb. 5, 2016. The form, along with further details of the trip, can be found at http://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions.

NDA International Trade Representative Stan Garbacz is available to discuss the trade mission and potential opportunities in Chile and Peru. He can be reached at (402) 471-2341 or stan.garbacz@nebraska.gov.

According to USDA, export opportunities have grown in Chile and Peru due to free trade agreements the United States signed with each country in the past 12 years. U.S. farm and food exports to Peru have nearly tripled, reaching a record $1.25 billion in fiscal year 2015. In the Chilean market, U.S. exports have grown more than 500 percent, totaling $803 million in fiscal year 2015. Both countries also are part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, which is awaiting Congressional consideration.

–Nebraska Department of Agriculture