VA Sets Record For Ag Exports

Virginia’s Governor Bob McDonnell announced the state’s ag exports hit a record $2.3 billion in 2009, a 5% increase from 2008, and a 28% increase over the last two years. This increase comes despite distressed economic conditions worldwide and in the midst of an overall national decrease in ag exports.

Last year’s figures for the state top the previous record of $2.2 billion in exports set in 2008. The 2008 figures were an increase from 2007’s $1.8 billion in exports.

Virginia’s top export recipients and the total value of agricultural exports in 2009 were (all listed in millions): Canada, $198 million worth of products; China, $169; the Netherlands, $118; Morocco, $105; Indonesia, $100; Turkey, $98; Switzerland, $98; Malaysia, $83; Germany, $82; Venezuela, $78; Egypt, $74; Russia, $68; Mexico, $64; Cuba, $57; Portugal, $52; Ireland, $48; Vietnam, $48; Philippines, $41; Japan, $40 and Hong Kong, $39.