Colorado Ag Exports Continue to Grow

 LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Colorado’s agricultural exports increased more than 25 percent in the first two months of 2012 versus 2011, led by increases in meat and dairy products. For the fourth year in a row, Colorado’s ag exports showed an increase in the first two months of the year: In 2012, Colorado’s agricultural exports grew another $45 million, to more than $222 million. Meat exports grew over $30 million.Dairy exports increased 80 percent.

“Colorado’s agricultural industry continues to be a shining light in a difficult economy,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar. “We continue to work for greater market access in Mexico and will work in partnership with our agricultural industries to develop those opportunities.”

Mexico, Colorado’s second largest market and the state’s fastest growing agricultural export market, increased over 46 percent in the first two months of 2012.  Dairy exports increased the most, with a 90 percent increase.  Other growing export sectors include beef, dry edible beans, animal feed, and cereal grains.

Beef Exports–Colorado remains the number one US exporter of beef to Canada and the third largest exporter to Mexico.  Colorado is also the number two exporter of beef to Japan.  Egypt and Chile have become the sixth and seventh largest markets for Colorado beef, both new purchasers of Colorado beef during the last year.

Dairy Exports–Colorado’s dairy exports grew almost 80 percent in the first two months of 2012 to $13.7 million.  Ninety two percent of dairy exports went to Mexico, with additional exports to Pakistan, Chile, Canada, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Korea, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda.

International marketing specialists are available to assist in beginning and expanding Colorado’s export markets.  Assistance includes training for export operations, assessment of market options, international finance and accessing USDA funding support for exporters. 

For information, visit www.coloradoagriculture.com, call (303) 239-4118 or e-mail Tim.Larsen@ag.state.co.us.