WASHINGTON, June 12, 2012-TODAY, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will speak to guests at the Partnership Arthur Davis Conference Center in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, about how the continuing demand for American food and agricultural products abroad has led to the three best consecutive years for U.S. farm exports in our nation's history. Vilsack will also highlight a report released earlier today by the White House Rural Council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture which notes progress that has been made in the agricultural economy and details steps the Obama Administration has taken to help strengthen the farm economy and support jobs in rural America.
U.S. agriculture continues to be a bright spot in America's economy and a driving force behind export growth, job creation, and our nation's competitiveness. Under the Obama Administration, U.S. agriculture accounts for 1 in 12 American jobs, provides American consumers with 83 percent of the food we consume, ensures the Americans spend less of their paychecks at the grocery store than most other countries, sustains a year-over-year trade surplus, supports record incomes for farm families in rural parts of our country, and is helping to support local and regional food systems as well as renewable energy markets. Just a few weeks ago, USDA forecast 2012 farm exports to reach the second highest level on record, after 2011, making the past three years the strongest collective performance in our nation's history.
Iowa's agricultural export success has played a major role in this American success story. Last year, Iowa exported a record $7 billion in agricultural products. Thus far in 2012, Iowa's farm exports show a 15-percent gain over last year's record total. Overall, Iowa's farm exports support the state's strong employment rate (Iowa's unemployment rate through April was 5.1%) and nearly 60,000 jobs on and off the farm.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
1:30-2:30 p.m. CDT
WHAT: Remarks by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on how U.S. agricultural exports are a bright spot in the American economy, and a strong agricultural industry has helped bolster Iowa's economy.
WHERE: Des Moines Partnership's Arthur Davis Conference Room
700 Locust St., Suite 100
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
RSVP: Credentialed members of the media may attend the briefing.
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