State to hold farm-export conference in Suffolk

SUFFOLK

Virginia is sending more of its agricultural products across the shining seas.

The value of Virginia products shipped overseas in 2008 increased more than 27 percent from that in 2007 - from $1.7 billion to $2.22 billion. Todd Haymore, commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Products, credits the state's hard-working farmers.

On April 7, farmers who haven't been involved in exports can learn more. VDACS, with the U.S. Commercial Service and SunTrust Bank, is sponsoring a workshop on the global marketplace.

Haymore said the increase in exports has been dramatic because of the department's effort to promote Virginia's products overseas.

The numbers increased to the $2.22 billion last year from $850 million in 2000. Success has come, he said, because the quality and freshness of Virginia products has been recognized along with the state's ability to produce grains.

Last year, for example, Egypt ordered a significant amount of corn, said Elaine Lidholm, spokeswoman for the state Department of Agriculture. It was meant as animal feed, she said, but was of such good quality that it was approved for human consumption.

The workshop, for new and experienced exporters, will include price quotes, incoterms (standard trade definitions), getting paid, credit insurance, freight forwarding, banking services, legal considerations and an overview of government programs, said Gail Milteer, regional market development manager, Department of Agriculture.

Linda McNatt, (757) 222-5561, linda.mcnatt@pilotonline.com