Gov. Bob McDonnell announced on March 13 that the commonwealth exported a record $2.35 billion in agricultural products in 2011, an increase of more than 6 percent from 2010 and more than 2 percent from 2009.

McDonnell spoke during the opening lunch at the Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade.

“Agriculture and forestry are vitally important to economic growth in Virginia,” he said. “With more than one-quarter of farm cash receipts attributable to export sales, continuing to grow Virginia’s agribusiness exports is a priority for my administration. … Exports are key factors in keeping our economy moving forward, and they support jobs, from our farms to our outstanding air, land and sea ports.”

Virginia’s strong position in the global marketplace is due in part to its diversified portfolio of products and export markets. Top export products in 2011 included soybeans; poultry; wheat; pork; lumber and wood products; corn; animal feed; leaf tobacco; fats and oils; cotton; marine and aquaculture products; fresh vegetables; raw peanuts; hides and skins; processed foods and beverages, including wine.

Virginia’s top three ag export markets in 2011 were Morocco, with exports totaling more than $360 million in 2011; China, which saw its exports from Virginia grow to $304 million; and Canada, with exports of $220 million.

Virginia’s other top export markets include Switzerland, $149 million; Egypt, $139 million; Tunisia, $66 million; Cuba, $65 million; Venezuela, $60 million; Indonesia, $57 million; Taiwan, $56 million; Vietnam, $52 million; Saudi Arabia, $52 million; Hong Kong, $47 million; Jamaica, $47 million; Japan, $41 million; Ireland, $39, million; Turkey, $38 million; Brazil, $37 million; Mexico, $36 million; and the United Kingdom, $31 million.

The commonwealth’s farmers "are pleased to see that they set a record with agricultural exports in 2011,” said Tony Banks, commodity marketing specialist for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “It is a significant milestone for the industry, but it shouldn't be a surprise. The global demand for food and fiber is growing every year, and the fact that Virginia producers are able to meet both domestic and global demand for food illustrates the productivity and efficiency of our farmers."

The Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade was co-hosted by Farm Bureau, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Port Authority and Virginia Tech.