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Mexico now second largest export market for Minnesota

Mexico is the second largest export market for Minnesota and 36 state delegates just returned from a trade mission there.

Minnesota Pork Producers Association president Lori Stevermer took part and says about a third of the group represented agriculture.

“Soybeans, corn, dairy, a few individuals from the education system-University of Minnesota.  The rest of the delegates were from industry or business.”

Governor Mark Dayton and Department of Ag commissioner Dave Frederickson also participated in the trip which began in Mexico City. Stevermer tells Brownfield the trip ended in Guadalajara where agriculture is more prominent.

“Actually some of us in agriculture kind of split off and met with a large feed mill and we learned a little more about what they do.  And of course they were very interested in the ability to source corn and soybean meal for their markets.”

She says Mexico is the number one U.S. pork customer for volume and number two in value.

“So whether it’s Minnesota pork or U.S. pork, they’re a big market for us.  Understanding their culture and how they do business was helpful to me, especially as we talk on more national or state issues.  That was really one of the reasons I wanted to go on this trade mission.”

Stevermer says Country of Origin Labeling wasn’t really discussed during the trip, but Mexico has threatened to retaliate against mandatory COOL legislation and potential tariffs against U.S. pork has her concerned.