California Ag Network

Tag: international trade

  • 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

  • South Africa Market Now Open for U.S. Fresh Blueberries

    South Africa has officially approved market access for fresh blueberries from all U.S. states.

    Market Access Letter
    Operational Work Plan – West Coast
    Operational Work Plan – East Coast

    All facilities intending to ship to South Africa must register. This market will be added to the comprehensive facility registration form that the USHBC publishes every September for the following season. Exporters should watch for an email next month with facility registration details.

    If you’re interested in shipping during the 2025 season, please contact North American Blueberry Council/US Highbush Blueberry Council (NABC/USHBC) Director of Government Affairs Alyssa Houtby as soon as possible.

    After years of stalled progress, we thank the Trump administration for prioritizing this request and opening the South Africa market for U.S. fresh blueberries. We’re grateful to the dedicated team at USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for their collaboration and for securing a science-based and practical work plan for blueberry growers and packers.

    Although South Africa’s blueberry market has evolved significantly since the original access request, NABC and USHBC remain optimistic about the opportunities this market presents. We believe strongly in the importance of open, science-based trade, and will continue working to expand and strengthen global market access for U.S. blueberry growers.

    To learn more about NABC’s market access efforts, contact Director of Government Affairs Alyssa Houtby. For information on USHBC’s market development programs, contact Director of Global Business Development Haiying Zhang. 

    History of the Request for Access

    This milestone was made possible through nearly a decade of collaboration among NABC, USHBC, the California Blueberry Commission, Oregon Blueberry Commission and Washington Blueberry Commission. We also thank Rufus Isaacs, Ph.D., of Michigan State University for his technical guidance on the operational work plan, and our partners at Bryant Christie Inc., whose support was instrumental in advancing this request.