USDA officials are eyeing Peru for opportunities around specialty crops

USDA’s Foreign Ag Service is back from a trade mission to Peru, looking to open more doors for U.S. farmers.

Ag leaders from Maryland were on hand and said they are excited for opportunities around specialty crops.

“With the GDP growing here, and the quickly increasing middle class, we do see an opportunity for value-added products and consumer-oriented goods. Maryland is historically a rye whiskey-producing state, and a couple of discussions that we’ve had here indicate that there is an opportunity for diversification in that market here,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks.

Montana ag leaders were also on the trip, and they have their eye on Peru’s use of lentils and the opportunities for pulse processing facilities in the country.

Related Stories
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney talks about the U.S. House’s latest vote to roll back tariffs on Canada and the ongoing discussions surrounding North American trade.
Corn demand remains supportive, but weaker soybean buying limits overall export momentum.
China’s reliance on imported soybeans remains entrenched, shaping global demand and trade leverage.
Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
Mike Spier, president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, discusses the new U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement and its potential benefits for U.S. wheat growers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Tennessee FarmHER Bridget Bryant’s porch garden evolves into a sprawling community outreach project that provides fresh produce to those in need and teaches urban kids how to grow their own food.
“We’re living in a moment of massive change—in agriculture, in media, and in leadership . . .”
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joins us to discuss the signs and symptoms of cataracts, as well as the available treatment options.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joins us now with the highlights.
The Arkansas Farm Bureau offers a ‘Beef in the Classroom’ grant to assist with ag education. Applications for that program open in August.
Seth Boffeli, AARP Fraud Watch Network Senior Advisor, brings us a preview of tonight’s “RURAL AMERICA LIVE with AARP,” which will focus on tips for fighting fraud.