The director of Missouri’s agriculture department says he wants to increase agricultural exports from the state.
Exports are already a big deal for Missouri farmers. In 2012, the state sent almost $4 billion worth of farm products overseas, a figure that more than doubled over the previous ten years.
Richard Fordyce, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, says capitalizing on foreign markets is vital for producers here.
“In Missouri agriculture as we continue to do a better job of raising crops and raising livestock, there is going to be an increased need in moving some of those additional products overseas,” he says.
Soybeans and pork are Missouri’s main agricultural exports, according to the USDA. Gov. Jay Nixon named Fordyce director of agriculture in December, but he has yet to be confirmed by the state Senate.