Record-Setting Agriculture Exports For 2011

Agricultural exports for fiscal year 2011 are forecast to be the second highest level ever at $113 billion, which is $5.5 billion greater than the 2010 forecast and nearly $17 billion above 2009, according to a USDA International Agricultural Trade Report.

The fiscal 2011 export forecast for horticultural products is a record $24.5 billion, $1.7 billion higher than the 2010 estimate. Fresh fruit and vegetable exports are forecast at a record $6.2 billion, as exports to Canada and Japan, and the EU, should continue to expand.

Processed fruit and vegetable exports are forecast at $6.2 billion with prices for several processed products expected to continue rising with demand from top markets, according to the report. Whole and processed tree nuts are forecast up $300 million as demand from Asian markets continues to grow, particularly for almonds and walnuts.

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