Oregon Welcoming International Shoppers

A number of international buyers will be coming to Oregon this summer to check out what the state ag sector has to offer.

Theresa Yoshioka with the Oregon Department of Agriculture said the trade missions showcase the state.

“By coming to Oregon, these buyers get the chance to see where the food comes from. They see it grown in the fields, they see it processed, turned into wonderful food and beverage products that they can buy from Oregon.”

It allows growers, and commodity commissions to save cost and sell directly to international buyers from their fields and offices.

Trade Manager for the ODA Yelena Nowak said this year they have the largest inbound trade mission in the history of the state with four regions from China coming.

“These events are incredibly important for both buyers and Oregon companies because it happens right here in our backyard. Companies do not have to travel to China to meet with a buyer, to establish the first connection.”

The ODA will work with the international buyers to match them with the right farms for their needs to maximize the amount of Oregon products that can be traded to foreign countries.