Agricultural exports hit record high

Minnesota’s agricultural exports hit a record $6.8 billion last year, according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). This is up 13 percent or about $750 million over the previous year. The state’s top exported commodities accounted for more than 80 percent of the state’s total agricultural exports.

Agriculture is Minnesota’s second-largest exporting sector with major markets in China, Mexico, Japan and Canada. Nationally, Minnesota is the sixth largest agricultural exporter in the U.S.

Minnesota agriculture commissioner Dave Frederickson said more than one-third of the state’s total agricultural production is exported, representing a significant economic contribution to the state and its rural communities.

According to the MDA, agricultural exports support more than 54,000 jobs in Minnesota and generate additional economic and business activities in many non-ag sectors.

Here are the top exported commodities for 2011 and their values:

• Soybeans, $1.6 billion

• Corn, $1.3 billion

• Pork, $740 million

• Wheat, $459 million

• Sugar and related

products, $359 million

• Dairy, $218 million

• Feeds, $116 million

• Beef, $111 million

Tags: country, agriculture, exports