In September 2026, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's (DATCP) Export and Business Development Bureau Director Ira Frydman and International Trade Representative Jennifer Lu participated in the USDA Agribusiness Trade Mission to Melbourne, Australia, led by USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg. The mission brought together U.S. agribusinesses, trade organizations, and state agriculture representatives to explore export opportunities across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands through buyer meetings, market briefings, and industry networking.
Held alongside Fine Food Australia 2026, the mission also highlighted Wisconsin's agricultural products, with eight Wisconsin companies exhibiting cheese, specialty foods, cranberries, and ginseng. DATCP International Trade Representative Shirley Acedo coordinated the Wisconsin Cheese Pavilion in partnership with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and the U.S. Dairy Export Council. Together, these activities strengthened industry relationships and expanded opportunities for Wisconsin agricultural exports throughout Oceania.
