HD12 - Fostering the Export of Virginia Agricultural Commodities

  • Published: 1993
  • Author: Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 53 (Regular Session, 1992)

Executive Summary:
Pursuant to the 1992 House Joint Resolution No. 53, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was requested to foster the exports of Virginia agricultural commodities. Further, the Resolution requests that VDACS develop and implement programs fostering agricultural exports and to assess the efforts of other state agencies in increasing the export of farm commodities produced in Virginia.

During calendar year 1991, $3.4 billion worth of agricultural products were exported through Virginia ports, according to data developed by the United States Department of Commerce. Exports of agricultural products from Virginia have increased 84% since 1987 with some 30 to 40 different agricultural products being exported to 60 different countries around the world. The major market for Virginia agricultural exports is Europe and European Common Market. Japan, Hong Kong and the Pacific Rim countries also receive significant exports from Virginia. Exports to Mexico and Canada are increasing significantly in light of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Other markets such as the Middle east, Africa and the Caribbean receive lesser quantities of Virginia products.

The Office of International Marketing within the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has responsibility for developing and implementing programs to increase the exports of Virginia agricultural products. These programs include:

1. Developing markets and locating overseas customers
2. Expediting trade lead inquires
3. Maintaining import/export directories
4. Providing export marketing assistance to specific companies
5. For the 1993-94 biennium finding new market opportunities and helping companies consummate sales in the target markets of:

a) Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union
b) Mexico
c) Canada
d) The Caribbean

Other state agencies provide ancillary and support services to assist the international marketing efforts of VDACS as follows:

1. The Virginia Department of Economic Development maintains an Expo/Info Center toll-free number for interested exporters to call in getting general market information and country profiles. VDED and VDACS jointly sponsor and conduct export marketing seminars throughout the state to help get interested companies up and running in international marketing.

2. The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia State University, through their Cooperative Extension Departments, are cooperators with the United States Department of Agriculture in launching a "Going Global" program designed to stimulate local and rural businesses in helping producers find export markets for their products.

3. The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) is a valuable source of information regarding location and type of wood or wood products in Virginia which have export potential. Close liaison between VDACS and DOF is particularly valuable in helping small sawmills find export opportunities for their forest products.

It is the findings of this report that the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has in place effective programs designed to foster the export of Virginia agricultural commodities and these programs are responsive to changing world market situations. Further, the report finds that activities of other agencies in helping increase the export of farm commodities are effectively coordinated with those of VDACS who has the main responsibility for international marketing of Virginia agricultural products.