California Ag Network

Tag: agribusiness trade mission

  • USDA Accepting Applications for Agribusiness Trade Mission to Ghana

    The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is now accepting applications for its Agribusiness Trade Mission to Accra, Ghana, from Sept. 22-25,.

    USDA’s agribusiness trade missions directly connect U.S. exporters with buyers in fast-growing overseas markets, boosting income for American farmers, ranchers, and producers, supporting and creating jobs, and fueling rural economies nationwide. Current and potential exporters interested in expanding their reach into Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and other West African countries must register by July 1, 2026.

    “This mission to Ghana is a chance to introduce buyers from across West Africa to the highest-quality goods America’s farmers, ranchers and producers have to offer” said USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “Expanding our export footprint here brings America’s bounty to new markets and brings new sales back to rural America, building strong farms and communities for generations to come.”

    In Ghana alone, there’s a growing market for U.S. agricultural and related products, with exports reaching $175 million in 2025. Poultry and prepared foods make up most of this trade, but USDA anticipates strong growth potential across West African countries for a variety of commodities, including:

    • Poultry, beef and animal genetics
    • Grains, soybeans and animal feed
    • Dairy products and milk powders
    • Healthy food preparations and ingredients
    • Wine and distilled spirits
    • Seafood and forestry products

    During the trade mission, U.S. participants will engage in targeted, one-on-one business meetings with qualified buyers from across the region. Staff from FAS and regional market experts will also provide in-depth market briefings, site visits and networking events to help American businesses successfully navigate the West African market.

    To apply by the July 1, 2026, deadline visit the Ghana Agribusiness Trade Mission webpage.

    For more information on USDA trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. — Story contributed by the USDA Foreign Ag Service

  • Opportunities for CA Tree Nuts & Dairy in Upcoming Trade Mission to Mexico

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is now accepting applications for its upcoming agribusiness trade mission to Mexico City, Mexico, scheduled for November 3–6. U.S. exporters interested in exploring trade opportunities in Mexico’s dynamic agricultural market must apply by Thursday, July 31.

    “Strengthening export opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses is a top priority of USDA,” said Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering. “This trade mission will connect U.S. producers with key buyers in Mexico, expanding economic opportunities, supporting rural prosperity, and keeping American agricultural products globally competitive.”

    Mexico was the largest export market for U.S. agricultural products in 2024, with sales totaling more than $30 billion, supporting approximately 190,000 U.S. jobs. Agricultural trade between the United States and Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) reached nearly $79 billion in 2024 and has shown consistent growth over the last decade.

    To ensure the protection of U.S. livestock herds, in June, Secretary Rollins launched a Bold Plan to combat New World Screwworm (PDF, 434 KB) by protecting our border at all costs, increasing eradication efforts in Mexico, and increasing readiness. USDA also announced the groundbreaking of a sterile fly dispersal facility in South Texas. This facility will provide a critical contingency capability to disperse sterile flies should a NWS detection be made in the southern United States.

    Growing U.S. exports to Mexico are supported by factors such as rising disposable income among Mexico’s upper middle class, familiarity with U.S. products and food trends, and strong demand for high-quality agricultural goods.

    Consumer-oriented products represent the largest share of U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico and have increased by more than 75 percent between 2020 and 2024. USDA anticipates strong export opportunities across several product sectors, including:

    •Beef, poultry, and related products

    •Dairy products

    •Seafood

    •Tree nuts

    •Pet food

    •Baking and food processing ingredients

    Additional opportunities exist for U.S. products such as animal feed, rice, pulses, seed potatoes, and livestock genetics.

    During the trade mission, U.S. agribusiness representatives will connect directly with buyers from Mexico City and surrounding regions through business-to-business meetings, market briefings, site visits, and networking events led by FAS staff and regional experts.

    For more information or to apply, see the Mexico Agribusiness Trade Mission webpage. The application deadline is Thursday, July 31, 2025.

    The Mexico trade mission is part of USDA’s broader 2025 export promotion strategy. Recent trade missions to Thailand, Guatemala, Hong Kong, and Peru have delivered measurable success for U.S. exporters. Applications are now closed for the trade mission to Taiwan. To learn more about FAS agribusiness trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions.