Leaders from five state departments of agriculture and eight U.S. agribusinesses and organizations will accompany Agriculture Acting Deputy Secretary Michael Scuse on a trade mission to Ukraine and Romania June 11 to June 18 to expand export opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products.

U.S. Ambassador to Romania Hans G. Klemm and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack meet with Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos, Romanian Minister of Agriculture Achim Irimescu and Romanian Ambassador to the US George Cristian Maior at USDA offices in Washington, D.C. Agriculture Acting Deputy Secretary Michael Scuse will lead a trade mission to Romania and Ukraine. (Photo: USDA photo/Steve Thompson)

"Both Ukraine and Romania offer potential as markets for U.S. farm and food products," Scuse said. "U.S. exports to Romania have been on the rise, and could be further helped by passage of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. In Ukraine, the continuing economic and political transition could likewise lead to new business opportunities. I look forward to joining U.S. agricultural leaders as we seek to enhance our trading relationship with both nations."

Mission participants come from across the United States and represent a range of agricultural products and commodities. They will meet with potential customers and host government representatives, forging relationships and learning about the market conditions and business environment in Ukraine and Romania.

Mission participants include representatives from the Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Oregon departments of agriculture, as well as the following companies and organizations:
-American Commodity & Shipping Inc., Vienna, Va.
-Case IH (Case New Holland), Washington, D.C.
-Cuba Beverage Co., San Diego, Calif.
-JM Grain, Garrison, N.D.
-LL International, LLC, Corte Madera, Calif.
-Missouri Rice Council/USRPA, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
-Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc., Kalida, Ohio
-Valley Milk, LLC, Turlock, Calif.

USDA trade missions open doors and deliver results for U.S. exporters, giving them the opportunity to gather market intelligence and develop strategies to start or expand their sales in key markets overseas. For more information, visit www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions.

U.S. agricultural product exports totaled $911.4 billion between fiscal years 2009 and 2015.In fiscal year 2015, American farmers and ranchers exported $139.7 billion of food and agricultural goods to consumers worldwide.

Source: USDA