 Strengthening U.S Agriculture Through Strategic Partnership and Global Engagements Welcome back to "Export Impact." In this post, we further explore the impactful work of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service. Building on the positive feedback from our inaugural post, we are excited to dive deeper into agricultural exports. Your insights, feedback, and partnership are invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. I am also pleased to share updates from two noteworthy events: the U.S. Trade Mission to Colombia and the Kansas Governor's Summit on Agricultural Growth. As USDA's Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, my mission remains focused on ensuring U.S. farmers and agribusinesses have every opportunity to succeed globally. Through strategic engagement, targeted trade missions, and ongoing collaboration with state and federal partners, we are expanding the reach of American agriculture while driving growth for our rural communities. |  The U.S. Trade Mission to Colombia featured representatives from 23 U.S. agribusinesses, cooperators, trade associations, and three State Departments of Agriculture. Enhancing U.S. Agricultural Exports to Colombia I recently had the pleasure of leading a trade mission to Bogotá, Colombia, with 23 U.S. agribusinesses and organizations. Colombia has become a key market for U.S. agricultural products, particularly since the U.S.- Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement took effect in 2012. As Colombia's middle class grows and consumer demand rises, U.S. farmers have a unique opportunity to meet that demand with high-quality products. In 2023, U.S. agricultural exports to Colombia reached a record $3.7 billion. Colombia ranks as the seventh-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, while the United States is the top export market for Colombia's agricultural products. Colombia's gross domestic product is expected to continue growing and remain slightly higher than the regional average, setting the table for continued interest in U.S. products. I was encouraged by the eagerness of Colombian buyers to strengthen ties, especially in areas like corn, soybeans, meat, and dairy products. Aero-Cos International promotes its line of snacks to a potential Colombian customer during business-to-business meetings in Bogotá. U.S. agribusinesses conducted 549 meetings with 52 importers from Colombia and Venezuela, resulting in projected 12-month sales of $8.15 million. My interactions with officials from the Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Texas Departments of Agriculture underscored the crucial role state-level partnerships play in promoting U.S. exports. These stakeholders were instrumental in connecting U.S. agribusinesses with Colombian buyers, opening doors for future trade deals. By working together, we are ensuring that American producers remain competitive and continue to succeed in this vibrant, evolving market Addressing Global Challenges and Promoting Diversity in Agriculture Shortly after my return from Colombia, I had the honor of speaking at the Kansas Governor's Summit on Agricultural Growth. Kansas is a cornerstone of American agriculture, and this event provided an invaluable platform to discuss how trade can further strengthen both the Kansas agricultural sector and the nation. My remarks focused on two key areas: diversifying U.S. agricultural exports and expanding market opportunities for specialty crops and underrepresented producers. One highlight of the summit was the focus on USDA's Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), which is investing $1.2 billion to promote U.S. agricultural products in existing and emerging markets. Kansas, with its vast production of wheat, beef, and grains, stands to benefit significantly from this program. Several organizations representing Kansas's top agricultural commodities received substantial funding.  Kansas Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kelsey Olson moderates a fireside chat with Under Secretary Alexis M. Taylor during the ninth annual Kansas Governor's Summit on Agricultural Growth in Manhattan, Kansas. Additionally, I emphasized the USDA's commitment to supporting specialty crop producers through initiatives like the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE). This program is especially important for smaller producers, who often face unique barriers when trying to enter international markets. By investing in export market development for specialty crops, we are helping to level the playing field for all producers, ensuring that Kansas farmers, from large-scale operations to family-run farms, can reach new consumers around the world. The Power of Trade to Drive Innovation A clear theme resonated at both the Colombia Trade Mission and the Kansas Governor's Summit on Agricultural Growth: the power of trade to drive innovation and create opportunities. Trade is not only about selling products; it is about building relationships, fostering collaboration, and encouraging the exchange of innovative ideas and technologies. Whether it is developing more sustainable farming practices or finding new markets for emerging products, trade opens doors that lead to long-term growth. Through ongoing partnerships with foreign governments, international organizations, and U.S. state and federal agencies, USDA is working tirelessly to break down trade barriers and create new opportunities for American farmers. We aim to maintain U.S. agriculture's global leadership by not only promoting our traditional commodities but also fostering innovation and new product development. Looking Ahead As we look ahead, the opportunities for U.S. agriculture are abundant. We are seeing increasing demand for American products in regions like Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. With programs like RAPP and ASCE, we are equipping U.S. exporters with the tools they need to compete in these dynamic markets. I am grateful for the partnerships and insights gained from the Colombia Trade Mission and the Kansas Governor's Summit on Agricultural Growth. Together, we will continue to champion American agriculture on the global stage, ensuring that U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses remain at the forefront of international trade. Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership. I look forward to sharing more updates with you in future posts as we advance our collective goal of expanding U.S. agricultural exports and supporting the livelihoods of American producers. Respectfully,
Alexis M. Taylor
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor has served as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs since December 2022. She previously served as Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture from 2017 to 2022. More information about FAS and its work to advance U.S. agricultural interests around the globe is available at www.fas.usda.gov | 
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