USDA conducting trade mission to Africa

The trade mission takes place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture, state departments of agriculture and the private ag sector will travel to Africa on a trade mission next week.

Deputy Ag Secretary Jewel Bronaugh and 32 agribusiness and farm organizations will visit with officials from Kenya, Tanzania and other regional countries between Oct. 31 and Nov. 4 to promote U.S. agriculture.

“I am excited to lead this delegation to foster stronger ties and build economic partnerships between the United States and Kenya and Tanzania as both of these countries present a growing opportunity for U.S. agricultural exports,” Bronaugh said in a statement. “This trade mission will provide firsthand knowledge of market conditions and opportunities in East Africa and expand awareness about U.S. agricultural and food products in the region.”

The U.S. exported about $66.9 million of ag products to Kenya and Tanzania in 2021 with Kenya accounting for about $60 million in ag exports.

In August, the USDA put out a call for applications from U.S. exporters to attend the trade mission.

The exporters represent multiple states including Illinois, North Dakota, Nebraska and national organizations.

Some of the groups heading to Africa on the trade mission include:

• Nebraska Corn Board
• U.S. Grains Council
• U.S. Soybean Export Council
• United Sorghum Checkoff Program