Growth in Colorado Agricultural Exports Important for State

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Colorado’s agricultural exports increased by $107.1 million or 18 percent to $710.1 million in the first six months of 2012 over 2011, led by export increases in meats, dairy, wheat and dry beans.  

“Colorado agriculture is the fabric of this state, with quality locally grown products sold from our local farmers markets to markets abroad, rich with opportunity,” said Colorado Agricultural Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar.

“We are enthused about the continued growth of Colorado’s agricultural exports to international markets which contribute to Colorado’s economic vitality.” Colorado’s agricultural export increases were led by Colorado’s leading agricultural commodities.

Meat exports increased by $79 million or 22 percent. Dairy exports increased by $14 million or 44 percent, more than doubling dairy exports since 2010.Vegetable (predominately dry edible beans) exports increased nearly $10 million or 188 percent.Wheat exports increased by $2 million, with growth primarily in the Mexican market. Colorado’s top export markets continue to lead in agricultural exports.

Exports to Canada increased 11 percent by $19 million to $191.9 million.
Exports to Mexico increased 16 percent by $21 million to $149 million.
Exports to Japan increased 48 percent by $32 million to $99.6 million.
Exports to China increased 18 percent by $9.8 million to $63 million.
Exports to Korea increased 6 percent by $3 million to $56.9 million.
Exports to Russia increased 83 percent by $13 million to $28.7 million.

“Agricultural exports are often a major share of Colorado’s total exports to our key international markets,” said Salazar. “It is important that we continue to advocate for further access in global markets for our agricultural products.  Colorado’s agricultural exports have further growth opportunities as we work to open and expand global markets.”

Colorado agricultural exports in the first six months of 2012 increased by $194.2 million or 38 percent since the first six months of 2010.
Colorado’s agricultural exports accounted for 17.9 percent of Colorado’s total exports.
Colorado’s agricultural exports accounted for 19.8 percent of Colorado’s total exports to Canada.
Colorado’s agricultural exports accounted for 35.7 percent of Colorado’s total exports to Mexico.
Colorado’s agricultural exports accounted for 18.9 percent of Colorado’s total exports to China.
Colorado’s agricultural exports accounted for 46 percent of Colorado’s total exports to Japan.
Colorado’s agricultural exports accounted for 45.9 percent of Colorado’s total exports to Korea.
Colorado’s agricultural exports accounted for 66 percent of Colorado’s total exports to Russia.

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