CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong joined a number of California businesses, agricultural organizations and government officials this week at the 30th edition of the Gulfood Trade Show in Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates is the 9th largest export destination for California agricultural products, valued at more than $548 million.
While in Dubai, Undersecretary Birdsong was able to connect with key buyers, participate in media/trade events highlighting California agricultural products, and hear directly from California companies participating at the show. A number of California agriculture groups were in attendance — the Almond Board of California, American Pistachio Growers, the California Milk Advisory Board, the California Walnut Commission, the Wine Institute, California Prunes, the California Agricultural Export Council, and others.
On average, California exports approximately 24 percent of its agricultural production — $22.4 billon in the most recent year for which figures are available. These exports help support more than 140,000 jobs in California.