The report, conducted by IHS Global Insight Inc., showed that for every dollar spent by government and industry sources led to agricultural exports going up by $35. It also showed that exports would have been $6.1 billion less last year if efforts in market development had not been made starting in 2002.
"This study shows that USDA's market development partnership with industry has had a significant positive impact on U.S. agricultural exports and increased returns to our farmers and ranchers by effectively and efficiently leveraging resources from the private and public sectors," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said.
Recently, President Barack Obama said he wants to see U.S. exports double over the next five years. That goal is being pursued by the National Export initiative, which the USDA is taking part in.
Meanwhile, other states are trying to improve exports of things like farm equipment on their own. For example, North Dakota recently set up a model farm in Ukraine with the hopes of increasing international exports for the state.
