MANILA – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will lead a large delegation of American farmers, ranchers, and producers to the Philippines from April 13 to 16, the US Embassy in Manila announced Wednesday.

The mission will be headed by Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering and will include 58 agribusinesses, trade associations, and representatives from state agriculture departments in Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.

According to the USDA, the visit aims to expand market access for American products by linking exporters directly with buyers in the Philippines.

During the four-day mission, activities will include market briefings, site visits, and business-to-business meetings with local stakeholders.

“With a population of 118 million, a rapidly expanding middle class, and strong consumer preference for US products, the Philippines offers enormous growth potential for American exporters,” the USDA said.

Data from the agency show that the Philippines is the 10th-largest market for US agricultural and food products, with average annual exports reaching USD3.4 billion over the past five years.

The delegation will include a wide range of companies and organizations representing sectors such as grains, dairy, meat, seafood, fruits, and processed food products.