USAgNet - March 10, 2010
Governor Bob McDonnell announced a continued increase in agricultural exports from Virginia. The McDonnell made the announcement during his remarks at the 2nd International Virginia Agricultural Trade Conference in Norfolk.
The Commonwealth exported a record $2.3 billion in agricultural products in 2009, a five percent 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 agricultural exports.
Last year's figures 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.
Speaking about the announcement, Governor McDonnell remarked, 'Agriculture is Virginia's number one industry and absolutely critical to our economic vitality. Increased exports mean more jobs and economic growth in Virginia. In two years, during the worst economic conditions in decades, Virginia's agricultural exports grew by half a billion dollars.
While overall agricultural exports from the United States are down 14 percent, Virginia agricultural exports grew by $100 million in 2009.
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