DECEMBER 27, 2023:
The South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development is making a $1-million investment in an organization that wants to help businesses grow South Dakota’s overseas sales and support high-quality jobs in the state.
South Dakota Trade, a public-private partnership that opened its doors in April 2023, has already assisted companies in securing over $3 million in direct sales. They provided education to over 70 international trade practitioners and executed South Dakota’s first trade mission trip in 10 years.
Governor Kristi Noem says over 27,000 South Dakotans are employed by jobs directly supported by exports. She says the state will continue to invest in its people and its workforce through the work of South Dakota Trade.
Earlier this year, Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden and Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretary Hunter Roberts were part of a trade mission to Mexico with SD Trade. The early results from that trip have netted a 50-to-1 return on investment for South Dakota’s economy.
Rhoden says Mexico is our second largest trade partner, and SD Trade is helping that partnership expand. He says tis investment will make continued growth a reality for South Dakota agriculture and every industry.
The $1-million being invested is through GOED’s Future Fund. It will expand the service offerings SD Trade is able to provide to companies in the state and enable them to continue to grow South Dakota’s economy.
SD Trade team members work with all industries and company sizes. They also provide focused offerings for businesses anywhere on the international trade spectrum, from new-to-export companies to those with sophisticated trade teams. To learn more, go to www.southdakotatrade.com.
NOVEMBER 2, 2023:
In late September 2023, a delegation of business leaders and state government officials from South Dakota took a trade mission trip to Mexico.
State Agriculture and Natural Resources Department Secretary Hunter Roberts says Mexico is South Dakota’s second largest trade partner having an export value of approximately $600 million in 2022.
Roberts says South Dakota exports “a little bit of everything” to Mexico.
Roberts says the situation at the US-Mexico border is causing some disruptions in transportation logistics.
One area of potential export growth he sees is ethanol.
Roberts says they were frequently asked about biotechnology’s role in feeding the world.
Another area South Dakota excels in that Roberts sees potential in for exporting to Mexico is crushed oilseeds.
South Dakota Trade used grant funds from the US Small Business Administration to support the trip. For more information on South Dakota exports visit https://southdakotatrade.com/trade-in-sd.
Joining Roberts on the trade mission trip to Mexico were Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden, as well as representatives from South Dakota Trade, Advanced Sunflower, Inc., Agropur US, C.A.W Industries, Houdek, Schumacher Enterprises, North Start Liquids and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.
Hear more about the trip from Roberts in this DRG Media Group Beyond the Mic Agriculture In-depth podcast. It’s also available for free from various podcast host platforms.
DANR met several agricultural associations in Mexico representing animal feed, seed oil, dairy, livestock, grains, and Consejo Nacional Agropecuario, which is an umbrella organization similar to Farm Bureau in the United States.
Courtesy photo.
South Dakota Trade, Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden, and DANR staff after received a briefing from the US Embassy in Mexico on trade opportunities, labor and security concern, and border management.
Courtesy photo.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2023:
South Dakota Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden and Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretary Hunter Roberts are leading a trade delegation to Mexico this week (Sept. 25-29, 2023) to participate in meetings with Mexican buyers, agricultural industry leaders, and government officials to enhance South Dakota’s trading relationships with Mexico. The trade mission is organized by South Dakota Trade.
“We are excited for the opportunity to build South Dakota relationships in Mexico,” says DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts. “Due to its rapidly growing economy, current trade relations, and diversity, Mexico is a country full of opportunities and is a key trading market for South Dakota businesses.”
Joining Rhoden and Roberts on the mission are representatives from South Dakota Trade, Advanced Sunflower, Inc., Agropur US, C.A.W Industries, Houdek, Schumacher Enterprises, North Start Liquids, and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. These companies are participating in customized, business-to-business matchmaking meetings as part of their itineraries.
South Dakota Trade is using State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration to support the delegation.
South Dakota Trade is working in partnership with the U.S. Grains Council, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, U.S. Soybean Export Council, Food Export Midwest, and U.S. Embassy officials in Mexico to maximize the opportunity for South Dakota’s delegation. Additionally, the trade mission coincides with the Food Tech Summit & Expo, one of Latin America’s largest food & beverage trade shows that includes 18,000+ buyers from 20+ countries.
“We are excited to be showcasing South Dakota’s value-added agricultural products in Mexico,” said Luke J. Lindberg, President & CEO of South Dakota Trade. “It is our responsibility to put willing buyers in the room with our willing sellers; and that’s just what we are doing this week.”
Mexico is South Dakota’s second largest trade partner with an export value of approximately $600 million in 2022. Trade with Mexico supports over 13,000 jobs in South Dakota and the state’s highest value exports include distillers grains, pork and pork products, beef and beef products, and soybeans.
For more information on South Dakota exports visit https://southdakotatrade.com/
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