Colorado Ag Exports Rise

Posted by Chad Vorthmann on Apr 25, 2012 in Ag/Food Industry, Featured, Markets, Trade | 0 comments

Colorado agricultural exports grew more than 25 percent during the first two months of this year vs. the same period in 2011, the state Department of Agriculture said Tuesday.

Exports grew $45 million to more than $222 million, according to the agriculture department. The growth, led by meat and dairy exports, marked the fourth consecutive annual increase.

“Colorado’s agricultural industry continues to be a shining light in a difficult economy,” state Agriculture Commissioner John Salazar said. “We continue to work for greater market access in Mexico and will work in partnership with our agricultural industries to develop those opportunities.”

Colorado remains the number one US exporter of beef to Canada and the third largest exporter to Mexico. Colorado is also the number two exporter of beef to Japan. Egypt and Chile have become the sixth and seventh largest markets for Colorado beef, both new purchasers of Colorado beef during the last year.

Mexico, Colorado’s second largest market and the state’s fastest growing agricultural export market, increased over 46 percent in the first two months of 2012. Dairy exports increased the most, with a 90 percent increase. Other growing export sectors include beef, dry edible beans, animal feed, and cereal grains.