Buckeye Reporter

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is set to participate in a significant trade mission event this summer, showcasing the state's agricultural industry. The event, known as the Summer in the Cities Buyers Mission, is organized by Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast and will take place in Columbus this August.

This trade event aims to connect Ohio's food and agricultural suppliers with international buyers from 21 countries. The ODA will play a role in securing local suppliers through its Agricultural Trade and Export program. "By helping Ohio companies grow through exports, we increase the demand for quality, Ohio-grown products," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. He added that such events not only open new markets but also strengthen the future of Ohio agriculture.

Countries participating include Aruba, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Fiji, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Korea , Mexico, Nicaragua, Singapore, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Vietnam.

Ohio's food and agriculture sector is a major contributor to the economy with $124 billion in economic impact and employing one out of every eight people. The state produces over 200 types of crops and livestock and hosts around 1,000 food processing companies.

Besides Columbus, the Summer in the Cities will also visit Chicago and Jersey City. Companies interested in joining can contact Tim Sword at Tim.Sword@agri.ohio.gov or (614) 563-1932 before July 2nd.

Information from this article can be found here.