Gov. Ricketts Announces International Trade Mission to Mexico
Governor Ricketts with U.S. and Mexican grain industry officials at a news
conference in 2017 highlighting the importance of the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship
LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts was joined by Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Steve Wellman to announce plans to lead a trade mission to Mexico this August. Mexico is Nebraska’s second-largest ag export market, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.
“Trade is an essential part of growing Nebraska and continues to be a top priority for my administration and me,” said Governor Ricketts. “Mexico is Nebraska’s second-largest ag export market and a major market for Nebraska beef, so we want to thank the people of Mexico for their past business and grow more opportunities for Nebraska’s farm and ranch families.”
In 2016, total agricultural exports from Nebraska to Mexico equaled an estimated $956 million out of a total agriculture export value of $6.4 billion. Mexico is Nebraska’s largest export market for corn, wheat, dairy, sugar and sweeteners, and animal fats, and the state’s second-largest export market for soybeans and soybean products, dry edible beans, sorghum, distillers grains, feeds and fodders, and planting seeds.
NDA Director Wellman stressed the importance of increasing agricultural trade opportunities in Mexico.
“The key to export success is building on existing relationships and creating new opportunities in international marketplaces,” said NDA Director Wellman. “The farmers and ranchers joining us on this trade mission are the best people to tell the story of Nebraska agriculture and to show consumers and agribusiness leaders the quality ag products that Nebraska has to offer.”
The Governor’s Office, NDA, and Mexican officials developed the Nebraska delegation’s itinerary for the upcoming trade mission. The delegation is tentatively expected to meet with Mexican national officials, agricultural officials, and industry leaders currently using Nebraska products.
The Governor encourages Nebraska agriculture representatives to consider joining the Mexican trade mission for an opportunity to meet with government officials, community leaders, and industry representatives. Because space is limited, company officials interested in participating in the trade mission should register by emailing Stan Garbacz atstan.garbacz@nebraska.gov.