The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service announced the participant list for its upcoming trade mission to Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.
Participants from California include Best Buy Grocers, Carriere Family Farms, the California Table Grape Commission, the California Milk Advisory Board, Western United Dairies, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and Valley Pride Ag Co.
Through FAS agribusiness trade missions, American agribusinesses connect directly with overseas buyers to expand market access and boost exports for U.S. producers. Luke J. Lindberg, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, will lead the delegation to Australia. The delegation includes 38 agribusinesses and trade organizations, as well as representatives from 10 State ag departments.
“There’s no substitute for getting our producers face-to-face with overseas buyers – it’s the best way to showcase the best of what American agriculture has to offer,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “Growing demand across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands makes this an ideal time for us to expand trade, strengthen partnerships and support American producers.”
In 2025, Australia imported nearly $1.7 billion in American agricultural products, making it the 18th-largest export market for U.S. agricultural products. Consumer-oriented goods – such as packaged snacks, wine and fresh meats – account for 85% of that value. In New Zealand, U.S. exports reached $612 million in 2025, with consumer-oriented products making up more than half of the total.
In addition to brokering business-to-business meetings, FAS staff and regional experts will hold in-depth market briefings and host site visits and networking events to strengthen trade relationships. — Story contributed by the USDA Foreign Ag Service
