Last week, a delegation of nearly 30 U.S. Ag businesses, farm groups, and others were in Panama to explore export opportunities to the region.  USDA Under Secretary for trade Alexis Taylor led the mission, which wasn’t directed exclusively at Panama, but six other countries from the region as well.  As the trip was wrapping up, Taylor said she's heard good things from the representatives of Ag businesses who attended.

 

“They have had really great meetings with buyers, and to date the 26 businesses here have reported over 338 meetings with interested buyers from across the region.”

 

And out of those meetings Taylor says there's no doubt that in the coming weeks, “You're going to see really great new trading relationships that are more out of our time here this week.”

 

Relationships she added that will likely lead to more sales of more American farm products.  Sales to the Panama and neighboring area were up last year 57% from just five years ago.

 

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