Manila: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to lead a large delegation of American farmers, ranchers, and producers to the Philippines from April 13 to 16, the US Embassy in Manila announced Wednesday. The mission will be headed by Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering and comprises 58 agribusinesses, trade associations, and representatives from the State departments of agriculture from Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.

According to Philippines News Agency, the mission aims to further expand market access for the U.S., connecting American exporters directly with buyers. During the visit, USDA will host market briefings, site visits, and business-to-business meetings with buyers from the Philippines. The USDA highlighted the Philippines' growth potential for American exporters, citing its population of 118 million, a rapidly expanding middle class, and strong consumer preference for US products.

USDA data indicate that the Philippines is the tenth-largest market for U.S. agricultural and food products, with exports averaging USD3.4 billion annually over the past five years. The delegation includes a wide array of participants from various states, such as 7th Sky Ventures LLC from Tampa, Florida; American Egg Board from Chicago, Illinois; and California Milk Advisory Board from Tracy, California, among others.

This trade mission represents a strategic effort to strengthen the U.S.-Philippines agricultural partnership and boost the presence of American products in a key Asian market. The engagement will provide crucial opportunities for American agribusinesses to establish and expand their footprint in the region.