In 2014, Idaho ag exports hit a record value of more than $1 billion.Levels like that now seems like a distant memory.
Compared to this time in 2014, the value of Idaho’s farm exports are down by almost 40 percent. According to the ag publication Capital Press, a glut of commodities from the European Union is part of the problem. And a stronger dollar is making Idaho goods less affordable abroad.
The dairy industry has been especially hard hit as world markets have shifted and milk production in other parts of the country increase. Dairy exports are down by 57 percent compared to this time last year. The industry, which had been the state’s ag leader internationally, is third in exports so far this year.
Find Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
Copyright 2016 Boise State Public Radio
