Oregon officials are visiting the Dominican Republic and Panama as part of a trade delegation this week.
There are two industries interested in Latin American market expansion; Christmas trees and potato farming. The trade mission is being led by the US Department of Agriculture. ODA Trade Manager Julia Turner says Asia is still Oregon's top export priority, but reaching out to other markets is important as well.
(:19) Turner: “We’d really like to focus in on Central and South America and explore opportunities, explore what specific commodities and companies we would be able to help, who does have a good opportunity, who is able to go down there– really explore, long term, is this something that’s good for Oregon.”
Turner thinks the opportunity to join other states in the delegation is an opportunity for the State to get on the national radar for exports. Mexico is already a top importer of Oregon Christmas trees.
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