Agriculture Exports Flourish in Colorado
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
It’s a pleasant surprise – Colorado’s agriculture exports increased by $107.1 million or 18 percent in the first six months of 2012 to a total of $710.1. The export commodities are largely in the areas of meat, dairy products, wheat and beans.
The following is a breakdown of the export increases per commodity:
•Meat - $79 million or 22%
•Dairy - $14 million or 44%
•Vegetable (beans) - $10 million or 188%
•Wheat - $2 million
"Colorado agriculture is the fabric of this state, with quality locally grown products sold from our local farmers markets to markets abroad, rich with opportunity," Colorado Agricultural Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar said. "We are enthused about the continued growth of Colorado's agricultural exports to international markets which contribute to Colorado's economic vitality."
The top three export countries buying Colorado agriculture products are – Canada, Mexico and Japan. Agriculture exports were up the first half of 2012 compared to 2011. The growth is a pleasant surprise given the harsh drought conditions in the majority of the leading agriculture base states.