Showing posts with label Hong Kong. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hong Kong. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces November as Virginia Oyster Month

~ Virginia is the Leading East Coast Seafood Producer, Third Largest in the Nation ~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that November is Virginia Oyster Month.  Visitors and Virginians alike are encouraged to experience the fresh wild-caught and farm-raised oysters from Virginia's seven different oyster regions throughout the month of November, as well as participate in the numerous oyster festivals and events around the Commonwealth.
Virginia oysters have diverse flavors from the saltiest in the waters of Chincoteague on Virginia’s Eastern Shore to the sweet taste of Rappahannock River oysters and the rebirth of Lynnhaven oysters in Virginia Beach.  This diversity gives visitors a lot to love about oyster travel in Virginia.

"Virginia oysters are the best in the world, and they play an increasingly important role in growing our economy and keeping the Chesapeake Bay clean,” said Governor McAuliffe. “My team and I are working hard to make Virginia the Oyster Capital of the East Coast, and I hope Virginians will join us by enjoying local, fresh and delicious Virginia oysters during the month of November.”

Virginia's oyster harvest increased by 25% from 2012 to 2013, with more than 500,000 bushels - the most in nearly a generation.  Over the past 12 years, the oyster harvest in Virginia has increased from approximately 23,000 bushels in 2001 to last year's level of just over 500,000 - the highest level since 1987.  The dockside value alone of the oyster harvest is 2013 was more than $22 million, up from approximately $16 million in 2012.

"Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia, and the continued growth of the oyster industry, combined with private sector investment, positively impacts the tourism industry in the Chesapeake Bay region and the Commonwealth," said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  "In 2013, visitors spent $21.5 billion, supporting 213,000 jobs and contributing $1.4 billion in state and local taxes. Marketing Virginia as an oyster destination will help us attract more of those visitors and continue to help our economy grow.”

"The oyster industry plays a significant role in Virginia’s recognized position of being the nation's third largest producer of marine products and, the leading seafood producer on the East Coast,"said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.  "In addition to the domestic impact of our marine products sector on the tourism and agricultural industries, we're proud of the successes we’ve had in promoting Virginia oysters on international trade missions, where we've generated new export sales to China, Hong Kong and Canada.  These deals and others we hope to help achieve will help generate business and attention for Virginia’s thriving oyster industry."

In August 2014, Governor McAuliffe announced the development of the Virginia Oyster Trail, a major tourism development project connecting travelers to Virginia oyster purveyors, raw bars and restaurants, and the watermen culture throughout Coastal Virginia, the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and the Eastern Shore.  As a result of these exciting developments with the Virginia oyster, Governor McAuliffe officially declared November as Virginia Oyster Month and named Virginia the "Oyster Capital of the East Coast."
“By pairing Virginia oysters with other Virginia products including wine, craft beer, cider and spirits, travelers can experience the state with taste,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation.  "Oysters only add to the impressive list of things Virginia has to offer."
For a list of Oyster Month festivals and events around the state, go to http://www.virginia.org/OysterFestivals/

For more about Virginia oysters, go to http://virginia.org/oysters

Watch video on Virginia Oyster Month here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lENusPnc8A


Thursday, August 21, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Creation of Virginia Oyster Trail

Chargrilled oysters
Chargrilled oysters (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
 ~ Proclaims November as Virginia Oyster Month, Recognizes Virginia as “Oyster Capital of the East Coast” ~

Virginia Is Leading East Coast Seafood Producer, Third Largest in the Nation

RICHMOND– Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced the creation of the Virginia Oyster Trail, a major tourism development project connecting travelers to Virginia oyster purveyors, raw bars and restaurants, and the watermen culture throughout Coastal Virginia, the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

“Virginia produces the best oysters in the world and as the oyster industry continues to grow, we want to let it be known that Virginia is also the Oyster Capital of the East Coast,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “In addition to growing, harvesting and selling the best oysters, our watermen are providing good jobs in their communities, generating revenue and tax dollars throughout their region, and helping improve the environment of the Chesapeake Bay as their oysters filter millions of gallons of water each day.”

“As my team and I work to build a new Virginia economy, I want to make sure that our tourism and agricultural industries, including our outstanding and diverse marine products sector, can and will play a significant role in that effort.”

This year, a public-private partnership of stakeholders began working together to brand the Virginia oyster travel experience to show the world that Virginia is for Oyster Lovers.  The trail offers visitors a way to enjoy Virginia’s seven different oyster regions, as well as experience the unique culture of watermen in the Chesapeake Bay.   As a result of these exciting developments with the Virginia oyster, Governor McAuliffe officially declared November as Virginia Oyster Month and named Virginia the “Oyster Capital of the East Coast.”

“The Virginia oyster pairs perfectly with another widely recognized Virginia product – wine – and some of Virginia’s oyster regions share watersheds with a number of Virginia’s outstanding wineries,” said First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe. “I believe this goes a long way to proving the old saying of “what grows together, goes together.”  Indeed, we have two world-class products – oysters and wine – right here in Virginia and I know that the Virginia Oyster Trail will provide new economic opportunities for both those sectors and many other businesses as we work to create a new Virginia economy.”

Virginia’s oyster harvest increased by 25 percent from 2012 to 2013, with more than 500,000 bushels – the most in nearly a generation.  Over the past 12 years, the oyster harvest in Virginia has increased from approximately 23,000 bushels in 2001 to last year’s level of just over 500,000.  This is the highest level since 1987.  The dockside value alone of the oyster harvest in 2013 was more than $22 million, up from approximately $16 million in 2012.

“In addition to being the nation’s third largest producer of marine products, Virginia is the leading East Coast seafood production state and the oyster industry plays a significant role in those both of these high rankings,” said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, noting that the Commonwealth had more than 400 million pounds in landings last year placing it behind only Alaska and Louisiana.  “We’re proud to promote Virginia oysters here and on international trade missions, where we’ve generated new export sales to China, Hong Kong, and Canada.  As we answer the Governor’s call to build a new Virginia economy, we must take an inclusive approach by working with some of our oldest businesses, such as our seafood industries, as they continue to provide good jobs and outstanding products.  With today’s announcement of the Virginia Oyster Trail, we’re hoping to spur more growth and opportunities for our watermen, the marine product sector, and other businesses along the trail.”

Virginia’s seven different oyster regions produce the largest quantity of fresh wild-caught and farm-raised oysters in the United States and each region produces oysters with distinct flavors, offering an oyster for every palate.  The Virginia oyster industry is one of the longest-standing industries in the state, providing bountiful meals for Virginia’s first inhabitants.

“The continued growth of the oyster industry and our fisheries management programs, combined with private sector investment, positively impacts the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s economy, particularly with respect to tourism,” said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.“Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia, accounting for over $21.2 billion in revenue and supporting 210,000 jobs in 2012.  The Virginia Oyster Trail is sure to continue this growth in tourism around the Commonwealth.”

“Virginia is in the oyster business in a major way,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “With seven different oyster regions, we are unlike any other state in the nation.  The development of the Virginia Oyster Trail will allow travelers to experience the state with taste by pairing the Virginia oyster with other quality products made in Virginia, including wine, craft beer, cider and spirits.”

The Virginia Tourism Corporation partnered with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Shellfish Growers of Virginia, the Virginia Seafood Council, the Virginia Marine Products Board, and the Artisans Center of Virginia, in addition to local tourism offices and planning district committees, to make this project a reality.  For more information on the Virginia Oyster Trail, visitvirginiaoystertrail.com.  Learn more about the various tourism economic efforts of the Virginia Tourism Corporation by visiting vatc.org/PAM.


Thursday, March 6, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Virginia Agricultural and Forestry Exports Reach New Record High

Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico is a fede...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Products Shipped from Commonwealth Surpass $2.85 Billion in 2013, Up Over Eight Percent from 2012 ~
With Drop in Some Prices, Increased Volumes on Strong Demand, Dedicated Trade Representatives in Key Growth Regions Drive Sales
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia agricultural exports, which also include forestry products, reached a new all-time high of $2.85 billion in 2013, up more than 8 percent in total value from the previous record reached in 2012.  The announcement came during the Governor’s keynote remarks at the sixth annual Governor's Conference on Agricultural Trade held in Richmond.  The conference runs through Friday at the Richmond Marriott.
            Speaking about the new record setting agricultural and forestry export figures, Governor McAuliffe stated, "Continuing to increase Virginia’s agricultural and forestry exports and making Virginia the East Coast capital for these exports are top economic development and job creation priorities for my administration.  Agriculture and forestry, two of the state’s largest industries, play critical roles in maintaining our economic well-being, and the positive economic impact of these sectors is especially important to Virginia’s rural communities.  Beyond that, new export sales can spur economic growth throughout the Commonwealth – from our world-class ports to our outstanding farms – and help us achieve important goals such as preserving more working farmland and attracting new business investments in agricultural processing and related industries.”
            The Commonwealth previously reached a record level of agricultural exports in 2012, when more than $2.61 billion in products were shipped from Virginia ports into the global marketplace.  In 2011, more than $2.35 billion in agricultural products were purchased by foreign customers.  The 2011 figure was a six percent increase from 2010.  Agricultural exports have grown in value by approximately 27 percent since 2010 when the Commonwealth launched a strategic plan to grow agricultural and forestry exports.  Virginia's agricultural exports are competitive in the global marketplace because of the high quality and diversity of products available for export and the Commonwealth’s excellent sea, air, and land port system.  The growth in agricultural exports comes despite a continued slow economic recovery worldwide.
            Governor McAuliffe’s strategic plan in agriculture and forestry for continuing to grow Virginia’s economy includes helping existing agribusinesses expand operations, recruiting new agribusinesses to Virginia, expanding international markets for Virginia products, and making strategic investments in rural infrastructure that support job growth in these areas.  Nearly a quarter of all Virginians live in rural communities, meaning the health of Virginia’s entire economy is linked closely to the prosperity of agriculture and forestry.  With more than thirty percent of gross farm income linked to exports, access to vibrant international markets is important to Virginia’s future economic prosperity.
            “In spite of sharp decreases in prices for some of our key export products, increased volumes on strong demand and a pro-active and strategic trade marketing plan helped Virginia continue move more goods into the global marketplace,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.   “Indeed, we now have the infrastructure in place to help Virginia companies find new opportunities overseas.  Exporters can take advantage of Virginia’s network of trade representatives in key markets around the globe who have expertise in a variety of important market regions and countries.  We have on-the-ground resources in Canada, Latin America, Europe, India, Russia, China and Hong Kong covering greater Southeast Asia.  These representatives are there to work one-on-one with Virginia businesses looking to achieve new international sales.”
            This year’s record amount of agricultural exports shipped from Virginia was driven by increased strong demand as the overall value of U.S. crops fell almost 10 percent in 2013.  According to figures issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), farmers saw a decline in crop prices between 2012 to 2013 for major commodity crops such as corn and soybeans.  The value of field crops fell to $166.95 billion in 2013, a significant decrease from $185.12 billion reported in 2012 according to USDA.  Field crop harvests in 2012 were negatively impacted by a severe Midwestern drought, leading to record high prices for corn and soybeans in that year.  In 2013, better nationwide growing conditions led to a record corn crop and third-largest soybean crop, which sent crop prices lower.
            The top agricultural and forestry product exports from Virginia in 2013 included: soybeans, soy meal, and soybean oil; lumber and logs; unmanufactured leaf tobacco; wheat, corn, barley and other grains; animal feed; pork; poultry; seafood and other marine products; processed foods and beverages, including wine; wood pellets; animal fats and oils; raw peanuts; and cotton. 

            The top three export markets for Virginia in 2013 were China, Canada, both filling the same two spots in 2012, and Switzerland, which moved up from fourth in 2012.  China imported more than $580 million in export agricultural purchases, while Canada totaled just over $259 million.  Switzerland imported more than $190 million in goods from Virginia in 2013.  Virginia’s other top export markets, along with the values shipped rounded to the nearest million dollars include: Russia, $117 million; Indonesia, $110 million; Vietnam, $83 million; Saudi Arabia $80 million; Egypt, $79 million; Venezuela, $76 million; Taiwan $75 million; United Kingdom, $69 million; Poland, $56 million; Turkey, $48 million; Mexico, $45 million; Morocco, $45 million; Ireland, $44 million; Italy, $41 million; Netherlands, $40 million; Malaysia, $39 million; and Cuba, $38 million.
            The Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade is co-hosted by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Port Authority, Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  In addition to Governor McAuliffe and Secretary Haymore, the conference featured presentations from Amassador Kenichiro Sasae of Japan; Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong of  Vietnam; C. Larry Pope, President and Chief Executive officer of Smithfield Foods; Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation; Darci Vetter, Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm & Foreign Agricultural Services; Giulio Menato, Agriculture Counselor for the European Union; Maria Eugenia de Sanchez, Coordinator of Traffic Forecasting, Panama Canal Authority; and several additional leading industry executives.
            According to a 2013 economic impact study conducted by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, agriculture and forestry are two of Virginia's largest industries, with a combined economic impact of $70 billion annually.  Agriculture generates more than $52 billion per annum, while forestry induces over $17 billion. The industries also provide more than 400,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.
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