Agricultural Exports in Pennsylvania
Did you know that International trade generates nearly $1.89 billion as a sector of Pennsylvania's agriculture industry? The PA Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Market Development assists the commonwealth's food and agricultural product companies on export sales, foreign direct investment partnership opportunities, and other international business opportunities within Pennsylvania.
The Bureau's team works closely with the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), the Center for Foreign Direct Investment, Food Export USA-Northeast, PhilaPort, and a variety of other organizations focused on assisting trade opportunities and initiatives for Pennsylvania's food and agricultural product manufacturers.
For more information, visit Agricultural Trade on the Department's website.
Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council is a key player in agricultural trade, with $1.09 billion in exported products. Keeping Pennsylvania Growing means managing the abundant forest resources located within the state's borders. The Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council (HDC) is responsible for the development, expansion and promotion of the hardwoods industry in Pennsylvania. As the No. 1 state for hardwoods production, the Council plays an important role in promoting Pennsylvania's forests and wood products both domestically and internationally.
The HDC's Pennsylvania Hardwood Stands for Quality logo is known worldwide; hardwood exporting companies are free to use the logo to help separate and elevate their products in the eye of the consumer. The HDC also maintains a PA Hardwoods Exporter Directory (PDF). This directory is shared with buyers and leads are disseminated to the companies. Please contact the council if you would like to have your company included in the directory.
For more information, visit Hardwoods Development Council on the Department's website.
Other Resources
Food Export USA - Northeast
Food Export USA–Northeast is a private, non-profit organization that promotes the export of food and agricultural products from the Northeast U.S. In partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and its nine other member states, the organization provides a range of services to help companies begin or expand export sales. These include:
- Export education services to help food and agricultural companies develop their export skills
- Opportunities to explore overseas markets and meet qualified buyers
- A cost-share funding program to help companies promote their products internationally
Headquartered in Philadelphia, Food Export USA–Northeast was created in 1973 as a cooperative effort between 10 Northeastern state agricultural promotion agencies and the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Its services are administered through Market Access Program (MAP) funding from the USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
We invite you to watch our video to learn more!
PhilaPort – The Port of Philadelphia
For 300 years, Pennsylvania's agricultural bounty has reached global markets via The Port of Philadelphia. Today, PhilaPort is a global gateway for farms and food manufacturers of all sizes. $3.6 billion in produce and $5 billion in food products transit the Delaware River each year, making it the largest produce port – and one of the largest food ports – in the USA.
PhilaPort is benefiting from $1 billion in recent and soon-to-be completed infrastructure projects that enhance the flow of agriculture cargoes. Its team is experienced in the needs of sensitive, high-value food cargoes. PhilaPort is among the nation's leaders for forest products, with exports and imports equaling 1 million tons per year. The Philadelphia Warehouse Produce Market is the largest refrigerated product market in the U.S.; the Market's merchants earn about $1 billion per year in annual sales.
Nearly $2 billion in Pennsylvania manufactured food products were exported last year. Pennsylvania food exports are in demand around the world because of their high quality and the reputation of commonwealth farmers and food companies.
Additionally, Philadelphia area food logistics providers are widely recognized as the most knowledgeable and experienced in the nation concerning the transportation, storage, and sale of food.
Learn More:
PA Department of Community and Economic Development – International Business
The Office of International Business Development (OIBD) within the PA Department of Community and Economic Development offers both export and foreign direct investment assistance to help companies grow in Pennsylvania.
Export Assistance
Pennsylvania is dedicated to helping its businesses grow and expand into world markets. OIBD partners with 10 Regional Export Network (REN) agencies in Pennsylvania and 11 international trade representatives worldwide to offer a wide range of programs and services to help expand the global reach of Pennsylvania businesses.
Foreign Direct Investment
Together with a team of seven international foreign direct investment representatives, OIBD provides the overall support and technical assistance required by foreign companies looking to invest, expand, and operate a business in Pennsylvania.
To learn more about OIBD's programs and services, visit International Business.
Contact Information
For more information about the PA Department of Agriculture's international trade program, contact Laura England at laengland@pa.gov or (717) 783-8462, or Christy Rebehn at crebehn@pa.gov or (717) 409-0219.