2012 PRESS RELEASES
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January 27, 2012
INTERNATIONAL TRADE WORKSHOP MARCH 13 – 14 IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm, 804.786.7686
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and the Virginia Port Authority are partnering to host the Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade March 13 and 14 in Richmond, Virginia. The conference will provide valuable information to companies beginning an export sale program and offer workshops on the international trade of agricultural goods. It is designed to provide a forum where producers, private-sector businesses, industry officials and policymakers can discuss export opportunities and challenges.
“Virginia’s agricultural exports are a very bright spot for our farmers and for Virginia’s economy overall,” said Matthew J. Lohr, VDACS Commissioner. “Every dollar of exports creates another $1.40 to $1.60 in supporting activities to process, package, finance and ship agricultural products.” Lohr points to Canada, China, the Netherlands, Morocco, Indonesia, Turkey, Switzerland, Egypt, Cuba and other countries as current success stories for Virginia exports.
Virginia’s agricultural exports exceed $2 billion each year and the Commonwealth is well positioned to build on its impressive production capabilities and transportation infrastructure in order to further solidify its role and reputation as a major exporter of agricultural products. This year’s event offers an impressive line-up of presenters who will address a wide range of topics, including opportunities in new markets from both national and state perspectives. Presenters include Richard T. Crowder, former U.S. Chief Agriculture Trade Negotiator and a Virginia Tech professor; Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry; Bob Stallman, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation; Wayne F. Pryor, President of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation; and Greg Edwards, Director of External Affairs for the Virginia Port Authority. Embassy representatives from Egypt, India and New Zealand are scheduled to participate in a panel discussion about their perspectives on agricultural trade with the United States. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is among several distinguished invited guests.
Registration for the conference is limited. For more information and to register, interested attendees should click here.