U.S. sees progress in ag exports to Mexico

   U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has cited recent improvements to expanding Mexico’s consumer market to American agricultural products.
   Mexico’s expanded import ruling to allow increased potato imports from the United States went into effect Monday. The country has also recently announced the expansion of U.S. beef shipments, with a potential market value of $50 million.
   “Mexico is an important strategic ally and a critical economic partner to the United States. In recent months, we have made progress on a number of issues that will help increase economic opportunity for both of our countries,” Vilsack said in comments with his Mexican and Canadian counterparts at the Global Forum on Agro Food Expectations forum in Mexico City. “The United States and Mexico will continue to build on our strong trade relationships and promote greater market access for our agricultural products.”
   “For decades, two-way agricultural trade between Mexico and the United States has supported good-paying jobs in both countries. This partnership has helped leverage existing supply chains, adding to the economic strength of U.S. and Mexican agriculture,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture said.
   In fiscal year 2013, U.S. food and agricultural product exports worldwide reached a record $140.9 billion, supporting nearly one million American jobs. U.S. agriculture is on track for another record year, with exports of farm and food products forecasted to reach $142.6 billion worldwide, USDA said.
   Funding resources in the new farm bill will allow USDA to continue supporting trade promotion and market expansion for U.S. agricultural products overseas. USDA has moved quickly to implement trade promotion programs reauthorized under the 2014 Farm Bill that was signed three months ago. Through the Market Access Program, USDA has already provided $171.8 million in fiscal year 2014 funds to 62 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives to help build commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural products and commodities. Through the Foreign Market Development Program, USDA has provided $24.6 million in fiscal year 2014 funds to 22 trade organizations to help create, expand and maintain long-term export markets for U.S. agricultural products.