Gov. Heineman Announces Efforts to Boost Trade, Talk Ag Policy

(Lincoln, Neb. - Photos, Audio ) Gov. Dave Heineman today announced several agriculture-related activities designed to expand trade opportunities for Nebraska products in three continents. During the next few months, the state’s agriculture industry will be highlighted through policy discussions and promotional events in Hong Kong, Guatemala and Europe. Nebraska also is planning to host two trade officials from Cuba during a visit scheduled for the end of the month.

 “These activities are examples of how Nebraska continues to pursue new opportunities in the global marketplace,” Gov. Heineman said. “We plan to build on our success in Hong Kong, tap an emerging market in Guatemala and share our agricultural expertise with those. Encouraging policy changes and promoting Nebraska beef, pork, and poultry in foreign markets will build demand for our livestock industry which currently faces economic challenges.”

 Nebraska will be part of a major beef promotion event beginning next week in Hong Kong.  Nebraska beef and other U.S. food products will be featured during two weeks in eight Jusco stores. Jusco is the largest food retail outlet in Hong Kong. Last year, Hong Kong was the seventh largest market for Nebraska beef exports.

Greg Ibach, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), said. “We’ve been very involved in building ‘Nebraska Beef’ as its own brand of U.S. beef among the Hong Kong restaurant industry. Given the potential for significant sales in this market, our goal is to become a major supplier to the food retail sector and this promotion represents a step in the right direction.”

Nebraska will also participate in an international food expo held in Guatemala in September. Nebraska beef will be featured at the Feria Alimentaria Food Show held in Guatemala City. The event attracts 4,000 food buyers, sellers and consumers and is the largest in the country. Nebraska beef is currently available in restaurants and some retail outlets in Guatemala.

Gov. Heineman said, “Approving the Central America Free Trade Agreement in 2006 opened the door for lower tariffs, which made Nebraska beef much more competitive with domestic beef and other imports. Guatemala is one of the Central American countries with a growing middle class increasingly looking for more quality meat products. We are positioning Nebraska to be part of this emerging market.”

Ibach said, “We hope demand for Nebraska beef can help establish a positive reputation in the region and eventually help open the door for other Nebraska foods and commodities.”

 In addition to exploring trade opportunities this fall, Nebraska will host a delegation of Guatemalan government leaders visiting the U.S. in August. Biotechnology opportunities are among the topics slated for discussion.

 “Guatemala leaders are developing policies on genetically modified crops and this trip will help provide the information to help make educated decisions on their national policy,” Gov. Heineman said.

 In addition to these discussions, Gov. Heineman announced plans to speak before the European Union (EU) Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee this fall. EU Agriculture Commissioner Neil Parish extended the invitation after a visit in May to learn about beef production, genetically modified crops and biofuels production in Nebraska. He is tentatively scheduled to address the committee in Brussels, Belgium, in October.

Gov. Heineman said, “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 related to the import of beef from cattle treated with growth hormones.”

 The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will send a biotechnology representative to address the committee and there may be opportunities for Nebraska agriculture industry leaders to participate in meetings with EU leaders, current and potential customers and agriculture representatives.

 “These activities would not have been possible without the support of the Nebraska Beef Council and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service,” Gov. Heineman said. “FAS representatives have told us we’re successful in expanding our trade and policy development activities because we’re one of the few states actively pursuing them. These relationships are the result of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s efforts to expand the reach of our farmers and ranchers and I appreciate their good work.”

 Finally, two Cuban trade officials will visit Nebraska at the end of July for a tour of the state’s dry bean, wheat and soybean industries. A representative from the Cuban import authority Alimport and the Ministry of Agriculture will make the trip.