Under Secretary Alexis M. Taylor will lead a major U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agribusiness trade mission to New Delhi, India, from April 22 to 25. The mission, comprising a delegation of 47 businesses and organizations along with officials from 11 State Departments of Agriculture, aims to capitalize on the significant export opportunities presented by India, the world's most populous country.
Under Secretary Taylor emphasized the potential of India as a growth economy for U.S. agribusinesses. "India's rising middle-class consumers’ familiarity with American food products and increased purchasing power is a real opportunity for U.S. producers," she said. The growing preference for American food and agricultural products in India, perceived as high-quality, has already led to an 11% increase in U.S. agricultural and ag-related exports over the past two years.
This trade mission follows India’s recent reduction in tariff requirements for various U.S. products, including poultry, vegetables, fruits, pulses, and tree nuts, enhancing the trade relationship between the two countries. The USDA aims to build upon these successes and secure new purchase agreements for American farmers, ranchers, and producers, continuing its proactive approach in expanding the benefits of agribusiness trade.
The delegation will participate in targeted business-to-business meetings, site visits, and market briefings by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and industry experts. These activities are designed to foster new trade linkages, strengthen existing partnerships, understand U.S. products' market presence in India, and learn about the latest consumer food trends in the country.
Joining Under Secretary Taylor are several high-profile state agricultural officials, including California Secretary of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, and other officials from states like Idaho, Maryland, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, Indiana, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
