Local farmers to learn trade benefits

Cydney Long

Local farmers and other agricultural investors will have the chance to learn how to export goods and expand their overseas market this fall at the 2013 International Agribusiness Conference and Expo.

Georgia Southern University and the University of Georgia will host the 2013 International Agribusiness Conference and Expo on Sept. 25-26 in Savannah.

The conference will educate participants on exporting and its benefits, according to a news release.

The deadline for early registration is July 30 and will be $170. Registration is available online through GSU’s Continuing Education website.

Georgia Farm Bureau will be the grand sponsor of this inaugural event, according to a news release.

“We are teaming up with UGA to help local farmers and anyone else looking for more information gain a foothold in the agriculture industry,” Samantha Monteagudo, marketing assistant for GSU’s Continuing Education department, said.

“As the global economy continues to grow, Georgia producers are posed to take advantage of increasing demand for food and fiber products,” Kent Wolfe, director of the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development with UGA Cooperative Extension, said in a news release.

Georgia is the top exporter of U.S. poultry, pecans and wood pulp, and peanut exports are on the rise. About 39 percent of the shipments exported through the Port of Savannah are agricultural products, according to a news release.

Attendees at the 2013 International Agribusiness Conference and Expo will attend educational forums and workshops, learning from experts in agricultural importing and exporting, They will also have a chance to meet with international trade representatives.

Through the Center for Sustainability*, Continuing Education has invited consulates from Germany, Nigeria and Israel, Monteagudo said.

Registration for the conference will continue until the day of the conference.

*Editor’s note: The Center of Sustainability is not involved with the 2013 International Agribusiness Conference and Expo.