Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.”
In 2012, the value of North Carolina’s ag exports reached $3.9 billion, according to a recent report from USDA. The figure is a new record, and it’s also an 8 percent increase from the 2011 total, which USDA’s revised numbers showed to be more than $3.6 billion.
This report tracks about 20 commodities, but doesn’t take into account forestry exports. If you add those in, the state’s ag export numbers actually top the $5 billion mark, Commissioner Troxler says.
Pork was the top food commodity in 2012, with an export value of more than $727 million. Chicken was second at about $525 million. Other major exports were tobacco, soybeans, cotton and wheat.
The commodity with the biggest increase in export value was soybeans. Their export value jumped from $248 million in 2011 to $426 million last year. Tobacco exports also had a good year. In 2012, the export value for this crop was $558 million, its best showing since 2009.
Nationally, North Carolina ranked 12th in total ag export value last year.
Commissioner Troxler says the department’s international trade office continues to be aggressive at marketing North Carolina commodities and other agricultural products. The state’s continued strong showing in exports indicates an international demand for its products, which is s good for farmers and agribusinesses.
Farmers and food businesses interested in exporting should contact the NCDA&CS international marketing staff at 919-707-3153.
Click on the audio player below to listen to Commissioner Troxler and Rhonda discuss North Carolina’s agricultural exports.
[Audio:http://info.ncagr.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Troxler_11-26.mp3|titles=Today’s Topic for Nov. 26]
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