(NAFB) – Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley arrived in Dubai Tuesday to launch the Department of Agriculture’s first trade mission since November 2019.

Whitley is kicking off the trade mission for Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who arrives in Dubai on Friday, with a delegation of representatives from U.S. agribusinesses, farm organizations, and state agriculture departments interested in exploring export opportunities across the Middle East.

Whitley says, “I am thrilled that USDA trade missions are back, and I am honored to lead such a dynamic group of U.S. agribusinesses and representatives to the UAE.”

With annual agricultural exports averaging more than $1.2 billion during the last five years, the United States is the UAE’s fourth-largest supplier of food and farm products and is poised for further export growth. Trade mission participants will engage directly with potential customers, receive in-depth market briefings, and participate in site visits, including Expo Dubai 2020.