Contacts: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Lee Sensenbrenner, DATCP, 608-224-5020
First Quarter of 2010 Shows Big Gains over Same Period Last Year
MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today announced that state agricultural exports grew to $447 million for the first quarter of 2010, an 18 percent increase from the first quarter of 2009. Dairy in particular showed strong growth, and Wisconsin ranks third nationwide for the value of its dairy exports.
“Wisconsin farmers struggled through a global recession, but we have worked hard during a tough time to position our $59 billion agricultural economy to move ahead,” Governor Doyle said. “Now, we are seeing those efforts pay off as worldwide demand grows and new markets open for Wisconsin farms.”
The export category that includes dairy, eggs and honey led Wisconsin’s export growth, gaining 51 percent over the same quarter last year, with a value of $48 million.
Other notable increases include:
* Ingredients, sauces, yeasts and mustards – up 16 percent to $46 million;
* Canned vegetables, dried fruits and other preserved foods – up 43 percent to $35 million;
* Hides and skins, excluding furs – up 24 percent to $31 million;
* Meat exports – up 41 percent to $14 million; and
* Frozen beef exports increased by 148 percent to $2.5 million, in part to growing exports from Wisconsin to South Korea.
Creating jobs by strengthening agricultural exports has been a top priority for Governor Doyle. Wisconsin’s agricultural economy accounts for approximately $59 billion annually and is responsible for about 1 in 10 jobs in Wisconsin. The Governor has focused on opening and expanding markets in Canada, Mexico, Japan, China and Europe – all of which have shown strong export business this quarter.
The top destinations for Wisconsin agricultural products in the first quarter of 2010 include:
* Canada – $221 million, up 13 percent
* Mexico – $43 million, up 14 percent
* Japan – $24 million, up 21 percent
* China – $18 million, up 25 percent
* Netherlands – $14 million, up 65 percent
Wisconsin agricultural exports went to over 100 countries. In the dairy exports category, Wisconsin trails only California and Washington.
