Trade Officials Will Meet With Chinese Food Buyers To Push For New Agricultural Exports

Chinese food buyers will be in Wisconsin on Tuesday to talk about importing more agricultural products.

China is a sought-after trade partner because of its large population and rapid economic growth. In 1996, total food and ag exports from Wisconsin to China were about $8 million. Last year, those exports rose to over $300 million.

The country already purchases a lot of whey from Wisconsin. Now, it’s also considering importing other products, like cranberries.

The Madison International Trade Association and Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection organized a meeting with Chinese buyers for Tuesday. DATCP’s Jen Pino-Gallagher said China currently does not buy many Wisconsin cranberries, something state agricultural officials hope to change.

“Cranberries are a more recent addition to the Chinese marketplace. But they certainly have a history of eating fruit products and dried fruit products,” said Pino-Gallagher.

Cranberries are not the only food product Wisconsin officials hope to push. Pino-Gallagher said they will also talk about processed snack foods and dairy products, like whey.