Exploring ag opportunities abroad

Recently, I announced several upcoming agriculture-related efforts designed to expand trade opportunities for Nebraska. The first is a visit I plan to make this fall to Brussels, Belgium to speak before the European Union (EU) Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Neil Parish extended the invitation to address the committee after visiting Nebraska in May. He was here to learn about beef production, genetically modified crops and biofuels production. EU leaders are looking at future food and fuel needs and comparing those needs with current agriculture policies. Growing demand for commodities has influenced some EU leaders to consider changes in policies on importing beef from cattle treated with growth hormones.

In addition to this visit to discuss agriculture policy in October, Nebraska beef and other agricultural products will be featured in several countries during the next few months.

Nebraska is taking part in a major beef promotion in Hong Kong. This event builds on the success of last year’s trade mission visit to Hong Kong, which is one of our largest markets for Nebraska beef. Nebraska beef will be included with the U.S. food products featured during in stores owned by the largest food retail outlet in Hong Kong.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has been very involved in developing a brand identity for Nebraska beef within the Hong Kong restaurant industry. Our goal is to become the supplier of choice for the restaurant and food retail sector in Hong Kong and this promotion is a step in the right direction.

Another food promotion event has the potential to help Nebraska ag producers tap an emerging market. In September, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will participate in an international food expo held in Guatemala, which is one of several Central American countries with a growing middle class that is increasingly looking for more quality meat products. Nebraska beef will be featured at the Feria Alimentaria Food Show in Guatemala City. The event attracts 4,000 food buyers, sellers and consumers.

Approval of the Central America Free Trade Agreement in 2006 created lower tariffs, which made Nebraska beef much more competitive with domestic beef and imports from other countries. Being part of Guatemala’s largest food show will help position Nebraska to be part of this emerging market.

Prior to the show, we will host a delegation of Guatemalan officials visiting the United States in August. The government is preparing to develop policies on genetically modified crops and their discussion with ag leaders here in Nebraska will provide information that helps in the development of national agriculture and trade policy for Guatemala. We are also preparing to host two trade officials from Cuba in the coming weeks. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and several commodity groups will take them on a tour of Nebraska agriculture, starting in the Panhandle.

Expanding opportunities for Nebraska beef, pork and poultry sales in foreign markets is one way to offset the challenges facing our livestock industry. Greater demand for these products helps ranchers, as well as the farmers raising the corn and other grains for livestock feed.

Beef is one of our state’s most well-known exports. Our hope is that by exploring new opportunities for beef, we can establish a positive reputation for Nebraska agriculture and food products and open the door for other products.

Whether it’s taking part in a policy discussion, participating in a food promotion, or giving foreign officials the opportunity to see firsthand the quality products raised by our farmers and ranchers; these activities will help Nebraska pursue new opportunities for exports in the global marketplace.

Dave Heineman of Fremont is governor of Nebraska. He can be reached at P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln NE 68509-4848, (402) 471-2244, fax: (402) 471-6031 or e-mail at his Web site, www.gov.state.ne.us.