U.S. ag exports to $107.5 billion in FY 2010

U.S. ag exports to $107.5 billion in FY 2010    The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the nation will export $107.5 billion in agricultural commodities in fiscal year 2010, the second-highest year on record.
   'This a $3 billion increase from the May forecast, and an $11 billion increase over last year. And agriculture is one of the only major sectors of the American economy with a trade surplus — expected to be $30.5 billion this year,' said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement on Tuesday when USDA released its Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade report.

Vilsack

   “What’s more we expect to sustain this important progress. The outlook going forward into fiscal year 2011 is even more promising, showing $113 billion in agricultural exports,' he added.
   Vilsack said the department continues to maintain its commitment to an 'open rules-based' international trading system.
   'We have continued to work through negotiations to remove barriers that prevent U.S. agricultural producers from getting open and fair access to foreign markets. And because we have full confidence in their quality and competitiveness, we will continue to push U.S. products to foreign markets,' he said.