US Farm Exports Standing Firm Despite Avian Flu

US - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has said that US agricultural exports remain strong despite disease and weather issues this year.
calendar icon 1 September 2015
clock icon 3 minute read

Mr Vilsack made a statement following the release of the US Department of Agriculture's fourth quarter Outlook for US Agricultural Trade.

"The strong pace of American agricultural exports continues. Fiscal years 2015 and 2016 exports are forecast to be the third- and fourth-highest on record, respectively.

"Bulk export volumes are expected to rise in fiscal year 2016 and reach near record levels, and horticultural and livestock product exports are also expected to be higher."

Speaking of the avian influenza outbreaks in spring that devastated the poultry industry, Mr Vilsack continued: "Today's forecast provides a snapshot of a rural America that continues to remain stable in the face of the worst animal disease outbreak in our nation's history and while the western US remains gripped by drought.

"Thanks to the resilience of our farmers and ranchers, fiscal years 2009 to 2015 represent the strongest seven years in history for US agricultural trade, with US agricultural product exports totalling more than $911 billion."

Mr Vilsack was positive about the future of agricultural trade, saying: "We expect that new trade agreements, made possible thanks to Trade Promotion Authority, will allow American farmers and ranchers to better reach the 95 per cent of consumers who live outside of our borders and drive the continued strength of American agricultural exports.

"USDA will continue to fight to get the best trade deals for farmers and ranchers that open new markets and new customers to them. Expanded trade strengthens the agricultural economy, supports more than one million good paying American jobs, and helps to preserve the rural way of life."

Further Reading

You can view the Quarterly Agricultural Export Forecast by clicking here.

© 2000 - 2024 - Global Ag Media. All Rights Reserved | No part of this site may be reproduced without permission.