The value of Wisconsin agricultural product exports continues to grow at a double-digit pace. Export numbers released by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) show a 25 percent value increase for the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same time period in 2013.
Dairy products, including dairy derivatives, jumped 63 percent compared to the same period last year with a combined value of $140 million. Wisconsin ranked fourth among U.S. states in the export of dairy products.
Another product showing strong export growth in the first quarter of 2014 was bovine genetics. These exports were valued at $19 million, an 81 percent increase over the same time period in 2013. That now ranks Wisconsin number one among states in the export of bovine genetics.
Wisconsin also ranks first in the export of ginseng, sweet corn and mink fur skins for the first three months of the year and comes in second for the export of cheese, whey and cranberries.
“We are excited to see that Wisconsin exported $935 million in agricultural products to 116 countries in the first quarter of 2014,” said DATCP Secretary Ben Brancel.
“First quarter numbers may only be a snapshot of what may lie ahead, but they demonstrate the opportunities Wisconsin businesses have found in the international marketplace. There is a growing demand for quality food products from Wisconsin.”
“There are still international markets to explore and business relationships to develop,” added Brancel. PD
—From Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection news release
