Release Date: May 4, 2017
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Media Contacts: Rick Hummell, 608-224-5041 richard.hummell@wi.gov
or Bill Cosh,
Communications Director, 608-224-5020 William2.Cosh@wi.gov
MADISON – A delegation of Wisconsin agriculture-related
companies returned home last week from the 2017 China International Dairy Expo
and Summit in Harbin, China, where they exhibited Wisconsin products in a
Wisconsin Pavilion organized by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade
and Consumer Protection. Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province, is a
major dairy production and processing area, and Heilongjiang and Wisconsin have
had Sister State ties since 1982.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Sister State
relationship, and to celebrate the milestone, Troy Landwehr, a Freedom, Wis.
resident and accomplished cheese carver, was a featured artist during the
three-day expo (April 20-22). Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery donated
several large blocks of aged cheddar, which Landwehr carved into unique shapes
and figures.
During the expo, exhibitors
met with key industry experts, had one-on-one meetings with potential
distributors and business partners, networked with decision-makers, and gained
exposure through Chinese media. The expo is annually attended by leading
business representatives from dozens of countries throughout Asia, Eastern and
Western Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East. This year marked the seventh
year DATCP has led a Wisconsin delegation to the expo.
“The goal of the mission was to promote Wisconsin agribusiness,
encourage trade and exhibit Wisconsin products at the Dairy Expo,” said
Jennifer Lu, an economic development consultant with DATCP’s International
Trade Team who helped organize the visit by the Wisconsin delegation.
“Wisconsin
is a world leader in the production of quality milk, safe dairy products and
outstanding genetics, and Wisconsin products and the expertise of the people
who work with them are always popular at this show,” said Lu. “Meeting
face to face in our own Wisconsin Pavilion not only creates the opportunity to
build awareness of Wisconsin products, services and expertise, it also sets
Wisconsin apart.”
The delegation also included Steve Ingham, administrator
of DATCP’s Division of Food and Recreational Safety. During the expo, Ingham
presented a seminar entitled “The Grade ‘A’ Program: Ensuring Safe,
High-Quality Milk and Milk Products for Americans.” Ingham’s attendance, along
with that of Lu and Landwehr, was sponsored by the United States Dairy Export
Council and United States Livestock and Genetics Export, Inc.
The delegation also included staff from UW-River Falls,
who gave a presentation on the welfare of dairy cows and helped coordinate the
cheese carving.
China is an important trade partner for Wisconsin
agriculture and the world’s largest dairy buyer. The country ranked third in
2016 for agricultural exports from the Badger State, with total Wisconsin
agricultural exports to China valued at $222 million last year. Products in
demand include hides and skins, whey, lactose, lumber, ginseng and bovine semen,
prepared/preserved food and various food items such as yeasts, sauces and other
ingredients.
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Pavilion photo
Cheese carving photo
Photo info:
Wisconsin businesses
and products were on display in the Wisconsin Pavilion at the 2017 China International Dairy Expo and Summit in Harbin, China.
2017 China International Dairy Expo and Summit attendees
watch as Wisconsin cheese carver Troy Landwehr carves intricate designs into a
block of cheese.