Vilsack Happy With 2021 Exports And Year Ahead

Speaking recently at the annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says 2021 farm and food exports were very strong.

"We were able to enjoy a record year in exports; a significant increase over the 2014 record.  But the good news is, that you're going to learn at this Outlook Forum, that we anticipate and expect 2022 to be even better; to break that record.  And to increase exports by billions of dollars."

The USDA head made those comments after a recent trade mission to Dubai, which he called successful.

"This is an important market for us.  Its the middle east and north Africa.  It is not only the opportunity to sell in that part of the world, but its also a gateway to the African market.  One, that I think, over time we need to pay attention to; we needed to engage and invest in.  Why? Because over the course of the next 15-20 years one half of the worlds increase population is likely to occur on that continent."

If the pandemic indeed wanes, Vilsack expects to have more trade missions in an effort to diversify markets.

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