In the US, agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack has released a statement after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its finaltally 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.
'Thanksto 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 US$137.4bn – exceeding past highs by US$22.5bn – and supported 1.15mjobs 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 US$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 US$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, andcompetitiveness, 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 recognised 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 ofAmerica’s farmers, ranchers and producers who continue to make US agriculture a bright spot in our nation’s economy.'
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