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
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller joins us to discuss the cattle herd rebuild, trade concerns, and how ranchers would define “America First” policy priorities.
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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Cooked low and slow with wine, garlic, and just enough cayenne to make ya sweat a little—I gar-on-tee Justin Wilson’s Crawfish Maque Choux recipe will have you comin’ back for seconds (and thirds)!
Stuffed with garlic, peppers, and good ol’ Cajun flavor, this pork roast is so tender it’ll fall off the bone before you can say, “I gar-on-tee!”
Justin Wilson’s Shrimp and Macaroni Casserole features bold, Cajun spice and big flavors—you’ll love this easy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Slow-simmered Cajun beans cooked in corned beef stock for rich, Southern flavor—just like Justin Wilson used to make.
A rich, flavorful stock made by simmering corned beef with Cajun seasonings. Justin Wilson’s Eazy Corned Beef Stock recipe adds depth to beans, stews, and classic Southern dishes.