The U.S. Department of Agriculture began its Women in Ag Initiative as a way to highlight the role that women play in the agriculture industry. The goal is to encourage more women to step up into leadership roles within the industry and inspire the next generation of women to do the same thing.
A Women in Ag-led trade mission to Hong Kong and Shanghai, China, takes place on September 7-15. The mission lets these women forge relationships with potential customers and trading partners, interact with government officials, and develop strategies for starting or increasing sales in these markets. The trip also allows participants to understand the roles that women play in China’s agricultural industry. Hong Kong and Shanghai were picked as destinations for the mission because the U.S. enjoys strong trading relations with both countries. Hong Kong relies on imports for 95 percent of its food supply, and China was the second largest market for American ag exports in 2015 to the tune of $23.5 billion.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.