The U.S. Department of Agriculture will lead a trade mission to the Philippines, designed to explore new business opportunities with the island nation. The trade mission will travel to Manila on April 20-23. They’re looking for agribusiness people who want to take part in the trip. Anyone interested should apply to the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service by February 6. Morgan Haas is the FAS counselor for agricultural affairs in Manila. She says, “U.S. agricultural exports to the Philippines have more than doubled over the last decade, reaching a record $3 billion in 2018. Positive consumer attitudes and a healthy business climate point to continued growth potential going forward.” Haas also says local consumers in the country have an affinity for American brands, while the country’s rapidly expanding retail, food service, and food processing sectors offer robust opportunities for U.S. exporters looking to sell agricultural raw materials, high-value ingredients, and consumer-oriented food and beverage products. FAS office staff in the Philippines will arrange business meetings between trade mission delegates and local companies seeking to import American farm and food products. The trip to the Philippines is one of seven trade missions USDA has scheduled in 2020.