Nevada food and agriculture exports reach record high of $250 million
(Sparks, Nev.) – Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) director, Jim Barbee, has been selected to represent the 13 western states at ANUGA, the most influential and recognized event in the global food and beverage industry.
Director Barbee is attending the fair on behalf of the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), as its 2016 president. Barbee has also been elected as the 2016 president of the Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture (WASDA). This is the first time in 10 years a Nevada director has been elected president to either association.
“I am honored to represent the western states at ANUGA,” Barbee said. “These two associations are a tremendous value in boosting Nevada’s economy through food and agriculture exports.”
The NDA’s strong focus on supporting economic development and global trade in Nevada has played an important role in the industry’s growth. Since the NDA started focusing on supporting economic development and global trade in 2013, food and agriculture exports in Nevada have grown 43 percent, to a record $258 million.
ANUGA takes place October 10 – 14 in Cologne Germany, and will include more than 6,700 exhibitors from 97 countries.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) promotes a business climate that is fair, economically viable and encourages environmental stewardship that serves to protect food, fiber and human health and safety through effective service and education. NDA includes the divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry.
Western United States Agriculture Trade Association (WUSATA) is funded by the Market Access Program (MAP) to tip the competitive balance in favor of American food and agriculture products by creating access to an ever-growing number of international buyers. WUSATA continually elevates and evolves its services to meet the needs of today’s Western U.S. agricultural producers.
Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture (WASDA) is a regional association of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), whose mission is to represent the state departments of agriculture in the development, implementation, and communication of sound public policy and programs which support and promote the American agricultural industry, while protecting consumers and the environment.
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Photo is of the state directors and commissioners of agriculture at the 2015 NASDA Annual Meeting on the day Director Barbee was elected.