November
2014

Issue
No. 11


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Market Leader logo, December, 2013
2014 exports
Dollars in billions Fiscal year: Sept-Oct
Ag exports setting new records
U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year 2014 (October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014) soared to a record high of $152.5 billion, up from last year's record $141 billion. During the last five years, U.S. ag exports increased 41 percent in value, while total export volume also surged upwards. Soybeans, corn, wheat, feed, beef and pork are among the top export commodities.

Contact Su Ye with questions on export statistics at 651-201-6384.
From the trade show floor:
The recent Americas Food and Beverage, Minnesota Pavilion event in Miami, Florida was a successful trip south for many Minnesota companies.

Northarvest Bean Growers Executive Vice President, Tim Courneya said the event was a great opportunity for retail specialty products, "The Caribbean, and Latin America in general, is a great market for the beans we grow in Minnesota and North Dakota.  We go to this event to meet buyers and distributors and maintain those trade relationships."
Turkey takes the top spot
Minnesota's turkey production increased 2-percent from last year, to 45 million birds raised in 2014, making our state the continued national leader in number of turkeys raised.

Minnesota raises 19 percent of the country's 235 million birds, many of which are served during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.  Happy Thanksgiving!
China's top corn & DDG importers
Chinese corn and DDG team's visit
China's top 10 corn and DDG importers recently visited Minnesota, and Assistant Commissioner Charlie Poster welcomed them to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. China was the largest importer of U.S. DDG and third largest importer of U.S. corn before the Chinese government banned the bio-tech corn MIR162.

At the height of its purchase, China imported $1.3 billion of U.S. corn and $1.6 billion of U.S. DDG (annual basis). Please contact Su Ye at 651-201-6384 with questions about Chinese trade or statistics.
Sharing agricultural experiences
In mid-November, 13 students from Colombia visited the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for a lively discussion with the marketing staff. They covered the state's rich agricultural sector, Minnesota agricultural export statistics, and the trade relationship with Colombia. The students shared their experiences working with coffee, cocoa, animal husbandry and more. Their goal is generating employment and expanding their agricultural industry.
NRA2014 Corridor
Open spots at '15 Minnesota Pavilions
Check out these great marketing opportunities at domestic trade shows. Participating companies can attend Buyers Missions and meet with foreign buyers through Food Export Midwest. Pavilions also offer cost savings and event planning support from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

2015 Events:
  • National Restaurant Association (NRA) - May, Chicago
    • Food service event

  • Food Marketing Institute (FMI) - June, Chicago
    • Retail/grocery chain event
  • Summer Fancy Food Show - June, New York City
    • Gourmet, artisan, specialty retail and food service
  • Natural Products Expo East - September, Baltimore
    • Natural, organic, artisan retail and food service

Minnesota Pavilion application form 

Food Export
"How-to" webinar: meeting foreign buyers
Prepare your company for international tradeshows and learn how to interact with foreign buyers with a webinar. Food Export Association of the Midwest addresses your questions in the upcoming December 4 webinar. Log on for meeting protocol tips, avoiding common pitfalls, and targeting the right buyers in the right countries.

Interact with Food Export's Caribbean in-market Representative, Pamela Wells Russell during the question and answer section. The webinar is free for Food Export members, but you must preregister.  Preview the details or register here.
Doing business in Dubai
Are you ready to break into the Middle East market? The Minnesota Trade Office is sponsoring the Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Gulf Market Leader's Seminar as part of the Middle East Series in the world market. Multiple presenters will provide expert information on how Minnesota businesses can enter this market.

The event is held at the Carlson School of Management on the University of Minnesota campus on November 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Preregistration is only $25 and includes refreshments. Check it out here and please contact Paul Hansen with questions.
Expert advice at export roundtable
The MDA is participating in a seminar and networking event designed to support companies in Northwest, Minnesota with an exporting interest. Manufacturing, service, food and agricultural companies are all welcome. The MDA will answer your questions about export promotions and other market development help available to your business.

RSVP required, $20 fee includes coffee and lunch, experts available after presentations for one-on-one discussion. Questions? Contact Brian Erickson.
Looking Ahead

Event
Location
Date
Link
Doing business in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Minneapolis, MN
November, 20
AgTC Workshop
Minneapolis, MN
December, 9
Northwest Minnesota Export Roundtable
Crookston, MN
December, 9
Minnesota Ag Expo
Mankato, MN
January 28-29


Add a description
MDA in the news:
11/18/14 -
Turkey production down, wholesale prices up...Full Story

11/17/14 -
Schroeder honored for service to dairy industry...Full Story
Ag Trivia

Question:
Do you know what these turkey terms mean?
Flock, poult, caruncle, snood, wattle, beard

Answer:
 
Words of the world:
Portuguese: Hello = Ol� (ohl-ah)

Thanks for catching up with us on the latest import and export news from Minnesota to the world!  If you have any questions or suggestions to improve this newsletter please email me, thank you,

Michael Crusan
MDA Communications
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Minnesota Department of Agriculture

[email protected]
http://www.mda.state.mn.us
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture's mission is to enhance Minnesotans' quality of life by ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength of our agricultural economy.