Lakewood, Colo. – Colorado’s agricultural producers continue to expand their products into the global market; over the last year, ag exports grew 21 percent in the first quarter of 2010.
“Colorado’s first quarter agricultural exports exceeded $223.8 million. It’s great to see such a strong start to the year,” said Commissioner of Agriculture, John Stulp. “Purchasers from around the world recognize that Colorado produces safe, high-quality, abundant products.”
|
Colorado’s first quarter meat exports in US $ millions |
|||
|
|
2009 |
2010 |
% Change, 2009-2010 |
|
Total |
112.3 |
135.7 |
20.83% |
|
Canada |
38.4 |
49.0 |
27.62% |
|
Mexico |
34.5 |
33.3 |
-3.61% |
|
Japan |
24.0 |
23.5 |
-1.99 |
|
Korea |
8.4 |
11.8 |
40.56% |
|
Russia |
0.2 |
6.0 |
3881.47% |
Colorado meat products saw the highest increase in value with a jump in exports of $23.4 million to $135.7 million.
Colorado was the number one supplier of beef products to Russia in the first quarter of 2010, shipping 27 percent of all its beef.
Also during the first quarter, exports of Colorado sunflowers grew 173 percent. Colorado is currently ranked fifth nationally for sunflower exports with the largest markets being Turkey, Mexico and Jordan.
In 2009, Colorado companies exported $1.28 billion in agricultural products to 99 countries. The Markets Division at the Colorado Department of Agriculture provides assistance to Colorado agricultural and food companies to develop market opportunities in Colorado, across the nation, and around the globe. Programs include Colorado Proud for identifying and promoting products grown, raised, or processed in Colorado; the Colorado Wine Board and International Marketing assistance programs help companies develop global markets.
International marketing specialists are available to assist in beginning and expanding Colorado’s export markets. Assistance includes training for export operations, assessment of market options, international finance and accessing USDA funding support for exporters. For information, log onto www.coloradoagriculture.com [1] or call (303) 239-4118 or (303) 239-4123.