US agribusinesses, farms tour Taiwan in search of exporting deals

Representatives from 49 U.S. agribusinesses and farm organizations joined Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Administrator Ken Isley on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) first-ever trade mission to Taipei, Taiwan, April 22-25.

“Taiwan and the United States have a long-standing and favorable business relationship,” Isley said. “Taiwan is an import-dependent economy and has a real affinity for U.S. ag products because of their quality, affordability and safety. What that adds up to is excellent opportunities for American exporters.”

Participants are engaging in targeted business-to-business meetings, in-depth briefings and site visits, learning about the intricacies of the Taiwan market and positioning themselves for successful business dealings.

Fruit and vegetable growers, shippers and specialty crop interests involved in the tour include:

• • All Berry & Fruits, Portland, Oregon
  • Bard Valley Date Growers, Yuma, Arizona
  • CAS InterGlobal, Pleasanton, California
  • Cherry Marketing Institute, DeWitt, Michigan
  • Citation Wine, Issaquah, Washington
  • F3 Vineyards, Las Vegas
  • Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Tifton, Georgia
  • King Orchards, Central Lake, Michigan
  • Kirschenman Enterprises, Visalia, California
  • Koenig Vineyards, Caldwell, Idaho
  • PacRim Wine & Spirits., San Rafael, California
  • Space Enterprises, (World of Chia) The Woodlands, Texas
  • Sun Grape Marketing, Visalia, California
  • United Natural Foods, Providence, Rhode Island
  • US Fresh Export, Rosemead, California
  • Western Onion Sales, Camarillo, California
  • Western United States Agricultural Trade Association, Vancouver, Washington
  • World Import/Export Trading Co., Belmont, California

In addition to representatives from the companies and organizations, Isley was joined by Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould and officials from the Georgia and Nebraska departments of agriculture.