WHEN: Thursday, August 5, 2004
Coffee from 9:00 - 9:30 am
Workshop from 9:30 – 11:00 am

WHERE: The Coach Barn at Shelburne Farms

Lt. Governor Brian Dubie will team with Florida cattleman and exporter John Parke Wright IV to present an overview of international export markets for Vermont dairy heifers, with special emphasis on China and Cuba.

Dubie met Wright in Havana in April, while attending the Cuba-US agricultural trade fair. “We went to explore relations with Cuba, as well as potential export opportunities for Vermont farmers,” Dubie said. He returned to Vermont with letters of intent for Cuba to purchase Vermont dairy heifers, powdered milk and apples. Agrimark brought home a contract for protein whey concentrate from the Middlebury cheese plant.

“Parke Wright was a tremendous help in understanding the scope of possibilities, and how to make the most of them,” Dubie added. “He’s also a friend and mentor, with deep ties to Cuba, and a heritage in cattle ranching and exporting that stretches back for generations.” During the 70s, Wright was also among the early proponents of re-establishing US relations with China, where he was promoting trade with the United States nearly two years before formal diplomatic relations resumed.

Wright and Dubie will give an overview of realities and possibilities in these emerging export markets, then review particulars of the processes and requirements involved.

In addition to dairy farmers, breeders, and dealers, attendees will include representatives of the Vermont Agencies Agriculture and Commerce, the Holstein Association and Jersey Breeders Association, representatives of Vermont’s export community.

The event is open to anyone who would like to learn more about exporting Vermont dairy heifers, about Vermont exports in general, or about Vermont’s expanding global relationships.

To Shelburne Farms: Follow Route 7 to the center of Shelburne, and turn onto Harbor Road. Follow to the first stop sign and turn left into Shelburne Farms. Stop at the gatehouse and say that you’re there to attend Lt. Governor Dubie’s Dairy Export Workshop.

For more information, contact Lt. Governor Dubie’s office at (802) 828-2226.