United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk visited a broiler and sow operation and met with local agricultural leaders in Cabarrus County, North Carolina today. North Carolina is the country’s 13th largest agricultural exporting state, shipping $3.1 billion in agricultural exports abroad in FY 2008 (according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture). North Carolina is the largest state exporter of tobacco ($574 million), the 6th largest exporter of live animals and meat ($554 million), and the 3rd largest exporter of poultry ($481 million). These three exports categories along with soybeans ($360 million) and wheat ($315 million), accounted for 73 percent of North Carolina's agricultural exports in fiscal year 2008.
Ambassador Kirk Tours Porter Family Farm
After touring Tommy and Vicky Porter’s 500-acre Broiler and Sow operation in the morning, Ambassador Kirk met with the State Agricultural Commissioner Steve Troxler and various North Carolina farmers in a roundtable discussion at Marvin’s Fresh Farmhouse restaurant. Ambassador Kirk answered questions on topics ranging from local sweet potato production to the U.S.-Korea trade agreement. By accessing global markets through trade, North Carolina’s agricultural producers can continue to be competitive and create jobs.
Ambassador Kirk with Commissioner Troxler and the Porters after touring the Porter Family Farm
